Handicraft as Psychotechnics. A Series of Articles. Article 2
Have you ever thought why handicraft – as the art of women creating utilitarian products – appeared thousands years ago, but still keeps on living and nowadays is even revived in its new capacity? The large-scale production seems to have made the market of consumer goods (clothes, footwear, haberdashery, jewelry) diversified, affordable and inexpensive. And still, even now we can find women – strange as they are from the philistine point of view, – who elaborate a complicated pattern in the child’s sweater, or stitch a sophisticated tracery in the pillow devotedly, with love and patience, during evenings (and if they are too busy, even during the night time, to the detriment to their sleep!). When everyone can buy sweaters and pillows in the store, market or online at rock-bottom prices without any fuss. Then what’s the point?
The secret of vitality of woman handicraft lies not only in the female nature getting the upper hand – women of the ХХІ century, just like their progenitresses in the before-emancipation era, want to feel like WOMEN again, not weak and helpless, but talented, creative and one-of-a-kind. Those, who are fond of handicraft, turn out to have active genetic memory storing centuries-old primal knowledge that the womanhood consists in creation of the new. But most important is that handicraft is subconscious psychotherapy!
A stitch, another one, and one more – thousands of them. A thread against the thread, a row against the row − embroiderer’s fingers move fast and accurately. Intricacy of lines, play of colors, fascinating palette, consistent pace of palinoia-precise movements virtually make a person fall into a trance. The hands are busy, the head is free from needless thoughts, consciousness and emotions maintain the stable balance. In essence, it is the state of contemplative meditation and concentration that yoga followers strive to for years, being guided by experienced Maharishis (sometimes, for lots of money).
And it’s not surprising that today neurologists treat handicraft as “new yoga”. One and the same brain areas get activated during meditation and doing your favorite crafts. Positive influence of mediation on health and mental capabilities has been already proven time and again, while until now medical experts have not paid much attention to handicraft.
According to the online survey that covered over 4,000 knitters worldwide, the state of happiness appears during knitting quite often. Relaxation, reduced anxiety, stress release, creativity become available for people engaged in handicraft.
Full immersion you get from your favorite handicraft cannot be compared with the experience you go through during the psychotherapeutic session or eastern practices. Clarity and spotless mind of women fond of handicraft is amazing. According to multiple scientists, handicraft helps elderly women to preserve their sanity and live longer. Handicraft can win depression and anxiety, and during the troubles of life, your hobby will save you from distress…
Of course, our grandmothers were focused at creating utilitarian products for themselves, their family members and friends. But it is not the most important reason, why women of all times sewed, stitched, knitted, weaved and did other crafts. The women handicraft turns out to mould personality.
Try to practice handicraft at least three times a week (it is still easier than going to the gym!), and you will discover positive changes in your life in no time.
1. Your mental health will improve; you will spend less emotional resources on resolving psychological issues.
2. The state of being attentive and concentrated will become your permanent companion.
3. With fine motor skills developed, you will be able to handle complicated household chores that made you feel frustrated before.
4. Your creative abilities will be developing and will pleasantly surprise you through unexpected manifestations.
5. Your self-esteem will reach a new level — self-reliance and feeling proud for the beautiful work you have done will help you to feel significant.
6. Handicraft is an easy way to develop patience and insistence. Nothing will knock you off-balance!
7. Your memory will become much better, and your brain will work much faster.
This is how just the handicraft will turn you into a SUCCESSFUL WOMAN
