I'm in awe, in awe of all of you. There's so much excitement in the air and evidence abounds that there's a commitment to focusing on peace. Yesterday I asked you to reflect on what peace means to you? If you haven't had a chance to jot down a few thoughts even if it's a few words I encourage you to do so now. Without meaning or words to describe peace, it's hard to obtain.
There were some fantastic suggestions provided yesterday when I asked you to share some of your favorite daily peaceful rituals. Some of the tips are ones that I already intended to share so I'll save mention of those for later. I'd like to draw your attention to one particular tip that was shared that is perfect for our peace-along.
As you knit each ripple of the shawl, dedicate that ripple to a particular person, or group of people. You might even jot down the name of the person on the pattern next to the corresponding ripple. By the time you reach the end of the body of the shawl, think of all the people that you will have intentionally held in your thoughts as you knit your way through the ripples. Genius.
I've been asked by a couple of people if the intent was to knit one ripple per day for 21 days. That's certainly an approach however you probably won't finish by December 21...if that was something you'd hoped to accomplish. Ripples 1-9 go fairly quickly and then it starts to slow down. So, if you're looking for a general way to gauge your progress, I'd say you want to complete Ripples 1-9 by the 2nd day and then a ripple a day for ripples 10-15. From ripple 16-20 (depending on the size you are making), you may want 2 days per ripple. Now this is all completely dependent on your knitting speed and how much time you have. The border will take 2-4 days again depending on size, speed, time, etc. This information is only for those that want a way to plan. I'm not a fast knitter nor do I have much time a day available to knit but I can tell you that finishing the DK version in the small size in 21 days is possible while still knitting peacefully.
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”
Peace is a process; it's a journey, not a destination. So we begin with a single step. Knitting provides the perfect metaphor for this quote. Peace, a journey of 1000 stitches, one stitch at a time.
Day 2. Peace tip.
Take time today to stop and listen. Are there children playing, crying, laughing. Dogs barking? Is there a constant noise from the radio, tv or computer chattering at you? Are there people all around you talking, talking, talking?
Stop and listen for the the sounds of nature. Can you hear the wind pushing at the walls of your house or the rain gently hitting the roof? Can you hear the snow gently falling and landing on the ground? Are there birds chirping or squirrels jumping from tree to tree?
Now find a very quiet place. Stop and listen. Allow yourself a moment to breathe in this quiet space. One breath or maybe two is all you need for now in this space without noise.
Pause.
Recharge.
Reset.
Remember.
Return to this place daily.
Quiet.
Calm.
Peace.
In the quiet of the morning, find this place before everyone else wakes up. Stop and listen. Listen for the quiet. Enter the day with calm and not the hustle bustle that will greet you at every corner. Put aside your phone, the computer, the need to connect... with noise. Use this early morning time for some quiet knitting. Listen to the rhythm of your needles, clicking and clacking as you knit one. stitch. at. a. time.
