Knitting is a wonderful way to take time for yourself and to reconnect with your spirit. It's the best way I know to be still! Did you know that knitting has many other benefits? I am always amazed when I read about something new that knitting can do to benefit us.

The Waldorf schools use knitting in their first grade curriculum. They teach kids (all kids, not just the girls) to knit before they learn to do math. Why do you think they do that? First, it teaches them to follow patterns (in through the front door, once around the back, out through the window, and off jumps jack). It also develops their fine motor skills, which will be put to the test in the coming years. Knitting also teaches math. It gives kids a concrete visualization of what addition and multiplication do. Plus, they learn a great deal about problem solving and logic. Could you use a refresher course?

Knitting has been scientifically shown to increase right and left brain interaction. Because it requires two hands to knit, both sides of the brain are stimulated. Many people pay a lot for therapy that does the same thing. There's a technique called EMDR (eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing) that many therapists use to help people get through times of stress, anxiety, and depression. It can also be used to overcome traumatic experiences. The process works like this (in my best non-psychologist understanding) - you are directed to think about the problem you want to clear up while you are externally stimulated by tapping, a light, or some other stimuli that alternates from your left to your right. This effectively gets both sides of your brain processing the same information, and allows you to let go of the emotional attachments that are causing you problems. Now you can just knit your way through it. Spend some time knitting and thinking about what's bothering you. You can find a good solution!

Knitting is often prescribed as a way to calm down and relax. It has been shown to initiate a "relaxation response" in many people. This can lower blood pressure, improve heart conditions, and even resolve insomnia. Of course, there's no guarantee, and knitting too much can lead to arthritis, painful joints, and carpal tunnel syndrome.

Knitting can help you become more patient. Knitting takes time - it probably takes more time than you think it will. When you choose to knit something, you are making a choice to spend that time doing something that you want to do rather than just buying it from someone else. Halfway through, it sometimes seems like you made a bad choice, but you will be proud of your work and more patient as a result. You'll learn to work through frustration and not react to situations in anger (since that makes the knots in your yarn even tighter). You'll develop a measured response to situations that will serve you well in every aspect of your life.

Finally, knitting can help you find companionship. It's fun to knit. It's even more fun to knit with others. Find a group that you can join or start one yourself. It's a wonderful way to share what you know, learn a new skill, or just get support from other people who share your craft.

By Lisa Akers, fiber arts instructor and owner of be still & knit. This article can be found at http://www.bestillandknit.com.