Picking up a pair of knitting needles or a crochet hook and watching the rhythmic movement of your fingers manipulating the yarn encourages a relaxing of the mind, and can provide the knitter with the same level of relaxation obtained from yoga or meditation. Once the knitter is through the initial learning curve, their mind becomes focused on the hand movements and allows an escape from the stress and anxieties of the day. Knitting has been known to lower heart rate and blood pressure as well as reduce stress hormones. Knitting can be the preferred method of meditation because as you knit your way into relaxation, you will create a project that you can feel proud of. Knitting also allows the knitter to take their project wherever they go so that should they find themselves in a very stressful situation, they can pull out their needles and reach their place of Zen.

Connie Harvey, The Knit 2 Scrap 2 Store, www.knit2scrap2.ca