Yes, those are my very first bamboo knitting needles! So this was part of a package that came in the mail about a week before my yoga therapy school started and today is day 6 of my first 9 day module of this 2 year journey of goodness. Part of today was talking about handwork and how by using our hands this connects parts in our brain that brings this type of quiet and for me in particular, it calms me and allows me to flow though feelings and thoughts. My teacher Anne also spoke of being the “midwife in the room” sitting in the corner knitting holding space while birthing is happening. This embodied presence that they are having us create and hold for the first whole year fo school is going to be an incredible gift for me. I can feel it already so much. And I am wondering how they knew that purple was my favorite color. I loved the yarn and needles as soon as I opened them even though I’ve never knitted before and knew I have to learn something new. Now having previously lived in Verona for 8 years and being 3 blocks from Sow’s Ear (adorable and well loved knit and sip cafe) I kind of get the relaxation and special camaraderie that is a part of this lovely hobby, skill and talent. A couple other fun tidbits to share from school today was someone’s comment about how this particular yoga therapy school is like being unschooled and counterculture. So we are being taught how to widen our wondering skills and constantly asking ourselves “could it be…” So pretty much lovingly having to explore all of our past yoga teachings, our college classes, our doctors visits, our upbringing, and especially the way we “see” our yoga therapy clients. It’s blowing my mind everyday again after being in this field for 25 years. My teacher Anne is known as a pioneer of this type of approach to yoga therapy and I am loving being in her presence day after day here. All the while there is this deep honoring and respect for all other modalities and ways of helping others and that all are needed. Something I wrote in my notes today was to let go of the expert mindset because it can harden us and we may unintentionally not be as open to what our yoga therapy client is experiencing. It’s kind of like 1,000 ways to see something. I’m reminded now of my uncle Joe (physicians assistant) who died of cancer last year said “really listen, don’t pretend to know everything and a little humor goes a long way.” No wonder he was so so so loved by all of his patients and that he changed many of their lives for the better. He guides me now for sure with those words. So back to knitting, learning something brand new I’ve never done before, fun and frustrating both, which was the whole intent behind it.
What is something you’ve never done before and want to try? Please share below in the comments section what it was and how it went for you)
