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Crocheting Connections

8/29/2018

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​In this weeks blog I wanted to share a story from my recent Middle Way LA, 'Enlightened Experience Retreat' in Cambria, California. I had the opportunity to run a 'Creating Together' workshop at the retreat. This workshop was about weaving together creatively to make a throw rug for the Cambria Community.

We used the theme of the 'Five Freedoms/Five Buddha Families' teaching, which amongst other things involves five different colours, energies, mental afflictions (things that disturb our mind) and their opposite qualities and practices. In a nutshell the 5 main things that disturb our mind, their appointed colour and their opposites are....
  1. Anger - Blue - Patience 
  2. Ignorance - White - Wisdom 
  3. Pride - Yellow - Humility 
  4. Jealousy/envy - Green - Happy for others 
  5. Desire (ignorantly wanting) - Red - Contentment 
So I got the idea that in the workshop we would crochet and knit squares in the 5 Freedoms colours and put them together to form a throw rug. Luckily for me I had some help with the preparation and realistic goal setting. Thank you Mum, Donna, Janet and Lauren. We modified the idea to a crotchet/knitted scarf and a polar fleece and flannelette rug we could draw and write on in fabric pens. 

The workshop was fun. Well for most of us! I am sure some saw it as a bit of an opportunity to practice patience. Some us had some experience and others were first timers. Amongst the beginners was a young Cinematographer from Hollywood!  He was very enthusiastic to learn to crotchet and chose to begin a yellow square. We spent time together during the workshop and beyond refining his skills. He remained enthusiastic and patient and often we would draw a small group together to continue learning together. 

He was so happy and pleased when he finished his creatively shaped square. He came up to me excitedly with his contribution to the scarf and shared something which touched my heart. He explained his mum used to crochet and that she had passed away when he was 14 years old. He felt this experience was a way of remembering and connecting with her. 

What a beautiful reminder that we often think that to make a difference something has to be big or complicated. (Like running a community cafe!) Sometimes it can be as simple as a crochet hook, some wool and some kindness. We all have opportunities to make meaningful connections with others in all sorts of ways, some as simple as a smile. I am reminded never to underestimate  or fail to appreciate the power of such kind connections.

That young man left with his crochet hook and plans to continue his crocheting for his peace of mind (he finds it relaxing!) and connection with his mum. I feel so grateful for the opportunity to share and connect with him.

Pictured above is our scarf, beautifully modelled by Wendy, and the throw rug we made. I will tell you about where the scarf and blanket ended up next blog.  

Have a great fortnight! Gratitude, Kind Regards and Best Wishes, 
Maree xx ​ 

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