Mantra Knitting

When I began this blog, I was transfixed by the transformative mindset that knitting was helping me to achieve. On the heels of a big move and a subsequent job change, I had picked up my favorite craft simply to relax from the long days of setting up a new home while working a new contract. I let the yarn flow through my fingers, finding presence in the practice of a slow craft. And along the way, I felt myself changing from within.

At first, it was the way the movement of my hands focused my mind. Each repeat soothed me and released the inevitable tension from multiple changes happening at once in my life. It was accidental….and magical, especially for a chronic overthinker.

As the flow state became more consistent, I became more intentional. How could I harness these moments? How could I grow through the peace found in a project?

So, I started infusing each knitting session with a theme of sorts. A seed of a thought to hold onto while my hands were in motion. Sometimes, it was a question to explore, like “what energizes me?” or “what am I passionate about?”. Other times, it was a single word, a mantra, to anchor my thinking and focus my energy (i.e., “gratitude”).

I am proud of how knitting has led to a greater understanding of myself and more self-love. My mantra knitting practice has been evolving, but here’s what it typically looks like (and what I’m planning on doing myself after this post is published):

How to Start a Mantra Knitting Session

• First, consider your environment. A mantra knitting session can be as long or as short as needed for your day; however, you shouldn’t compromise on your comfort even for a short session. Set yourself up for success with a cozy position that limits the possible intrusion of frustration, physical or otherwise, into your session. For me, this usually means sitting in a soft spot with my legs curled beneath me.
• Next, establish physical awareness by conducting a few stretches. Rolling your neck, interlacing and stretching your fingers in front of you, or moving your wrists in circles in both directions allows you to physically prepare for the act of knitting while also bringing your mind-body connection into focus. Focus on each stretch and feel your inner strength.
• Then, set the tone with a special mantra for the first row. You can customize how you like to begin, and you may sometimes choose to dive right into another meditative reflection, chant, or mantra. I like to ease in and warm up with this:
  • Energy flows within me.
  • My energy changes the world around me.
  • I am surrounded by a glowing aura.
• Repeat these phrases for the full row, with each stitch corresponding to a statement or feeling. As the row moves across the needle, envision your energy in your mind’s eye. See the golden glowing aura around yourself as it builds. I find this gets me into the rhythmic flow of the stitches moving and aligns my thought to the steady movement of my hands. If you need more time to settle into your project, repeat this mantra for as many rows as you need.
• Finally, set your intention for the remaining time by selecting a reflection question or mantra to focus on while knitting. If it’s helpful, keep a journal nearby to take note for any “aha moments” that come to the surface while reflecting on your chosen topic, wish, manifestation, prayer, etc. Knit with your mantra or question at the forefront of your mind. If you lose focus, just return when ready.
• Note: Know when you can flow! – All projects are different! At the beginning of a project identify where you can most easily get into a meditative flow state and plan for a mantra knitting session when you get to those sections.

Happy Knitting!