This week I have been thinking about stitching as medicine. The process of taking repetitive stitches, slowing the breath, being only in this moment, and concentrating on a simple task engages the parasympathetic nervous system in a way that nothing else does. It forces the body to relax and to heal. It's called the "rest and digest" or "relaxed and content" state, and for me there is no quicker way to achieve that state than by hand stitching. Today I need to calm down and relax. My Dad had emergency surgery this week, and thankfully he is doing amazingly well today, but once the crisis passes, you start to recognize that the stress of worry takes a toll on everyone who loves him.
When I am concentrating only on taking my next stitch, I am not worrying about whether my Dad is going to live or die. I can finally relax and start to feel healthier myself.I'll be stitching down the binding on the baby quilt I made last week. This is my favourite hand stitching activity, so I will really enjoy my slow stitching time!
What are you hand stitching today?
Please share your project with us and link up your blog post below.
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21 comments:
I'm glad to hear your dad is feeling better. I did lots of hand stitching while my dad was in the hospital recently. It really does help to keep calm while you wait. The baby quilt must be just about done!
I don't think I'll be able to post on my blog today, but as I read your post I'm about to begin my morning stitching with my coffee. I so agree with your sentiments. I refer to my stitching as my yoga😊
glad your dad is better - coping with the health of our parents as they get older is very stressful, I no longer have either of mine and I hope your dad recovers and you have a lot more time with him
I'm sorry to hear that your dad had to go through that, but glad he came through the surgery well. It is a difficult thing to see our parents age, and the stress for us and them can be intense at times. I hope you enjoy your stitching time, and that you can relax and breathe. Hugs to you and your dad!
So glad to hear that your Dad made it through his health crisis. I am busy trying to finish the binding on my son's quilt. It is taking me longer than I expected. I agree that stiching calms the soul and the mind and helps you relax. Wishing you and your dad all the best.
Happy your dad is doing better. Scary times when they are in the hospital so suddenly. Enjoy your day relaxing...sounds like you earned it!
So sorry about your dad's emergency, and happy that he is on the mend. Hand stitching is therapy, isn't it! Putting thread into fabric is my relaxation too. I don't have a hand sewing project currently, but hope to have something started soon.
I'm so glad your dad is making a good recovery! I agree sewing is such good therapy and I hope you manage to get lots of relaxation time today following your stressful week.
Wishing your dad a speedy recovery!
I too love the meditative nature of hand quilting.
enjoy
Slow stitching will help you catch your breath from your busy and emotional week. Best wishes for your Dad.
Thank goodness we have our stitching to see us through stressful times!
So glad your Dad is on the mend, enjoy your slow stitching and the comfort it gives you.
So glad to hear yoyr Dad is doing better! Enjoy a restful day today! And thanks for always encouraging the rest of us to do the same.
That baby quilts looks great.Isn't it good that we have a hobby we can use as therapy too? I've put a photo of me with the light I use when I'm sewing now when it's so dark outside. You'll find it in my blog post.
With elderly parents comes the stress and these medical issues, unfortunately. Know only too well and also the relief when it works out.
My stitching is really my therapy, no question.
Pink Owls I just love!
So glad to hear that your Dad is doing well after surgery. Enjoy the slow pace and slow stitching today.
Yes, quilting, hand stitching is a powerful medicine for combating worry. Glad to hear your Dad is better. Happy, restful stitching.
Sorry to hear about the scare your dad gave you, Kathy. Yes, the stitching is so relaxing. It's interesting to see my blood pressure results after having waited in the waiting room with my sew-to-go bag vs. my 10-year old energetic son that needs to touch everything.
The baby quilt is ADORABLE!!! Love those pink owls.
Hmm! Parasympathetic nervous system; not sure what it is but it sounds very cool. I worked at the loom this weekend and I asked the newbie besides me if she liked the monotonous work of weaving so far. She replied that she hasn't felt so relaxed in a very long time. So, I looked at her and said; you are now hooked on this drug, you know and we laughed. Sending prayers your way for your father's speedy recovery. ;^)
Wishing your Dad a very speedy recovery and I am glad you know which medicine you require to stay healthy and strong!
So scary when our parents' health starts to fail! Emergency surgery! I'm so sorry you all went through that, but hoping he is recovering well! That baby quilt looks lovely!
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