Day 11

This past summer I had the privilege of attending a walking and knitting retreat on Shetland, an island approximately 100 miles north of mainland Scotland. Traveling to Shetland had been a dream but to this day I'm not sure why I felt compelled to visit, all I can say is "I felt called." I had seen photos on Instagram of this magical land but never expected to fall in love with all things Shetland...the people, the landscapes, the sheep, the way of life. The retreat, created by Gudrun Johnston and Mary Jane Mucklestone was filled with walks, knitting classes and time to knit but it was so much more. It was a glimpse into the importance of knitting to the lives of the those living on Shetland. Knitting is more than a hobby, it's their livelihood, their family history, their heritage and their pride shines through every step (and stitch) of the way.

While on Shetland I asked Gudrun if she'd be willing to provide a peaceful tip. She really must have thought I was a bit crazy when I asked..."see, I'm trying to spread peace to knitters around the world in an attempt to create world peace." She graciously said "yes" for which I was and continue to be grateful. So, today's peace tip comes from Shetland and perhaps you'll begin to understand a bit about the attraction to Shetland.

Peace Tip #11 by Gudrun Johnston, The Shetland Trader

When considering what peace means to me personally I immediately think of my place of birth, Shetland. Although I didn’t spend the majority of my childhood there I have reconnected with Shetland over the last 12 years or so, after my parents retired back there. Since then I have been fortunate enough to spend long periods of time in the calming beauty of this landscape.

It is often a lengthy journey for me to get home seeing as I now live in the US.  Planes, trains and boats can be involved (and unfortunately sometimes delays). But despite arriving travel weary it only takes a few moments for me to soak in my surroundings and immediately feel a deep sense of peace. There is something about the open landscape, with views as far as the eye can see, that provides the overworked brain an opportunity to breathe a big sigh of release.

I would like to share some images of Shetland with you and hope that they inspire you to get outside today and take a moment to connect with your surroundings. If you have the time then take a walk, if not then perhaps just step out into your yard/doorway/balcony and find a spot where you can just take a few deep breaths in an effort to unclutter your own head, even if only for a few seconds.

Peace be with you today. Enjoy your Sunday (or Snowday for some of us). 

Ten...

Do you ever go through the day and wonder "where did the time go?" Does your mind wander and it's not really a daydream? Have you ever knit a row and then realized you have no idea where you are in the pattern? Or been listening to someone talk and not been able to keep your attention on their words? 

My examples could go on and on. I recently had an experience that made me aware of how un-present I can be. I was eating lunch with my daughter and I'd broken an egg roll in half. I ate my half. A few minutes later, wanting to eat the other half I noticed it was gone. I proceeded to ask her if she'd enjoyed her egg roll. "Mom, I didn't eat it, you did." Back and forth we went for a few minutes until I was convinced I'd eaten the other half and not even remembered doing so. 

Living in the moment, being present...not I. Chalk it up to overwhelm, fatigue or just not paying attention. How many times do we go about our day and tune out either intentionally or unintentionally? While reading, walking, driving, talking to others, eating, even knitting. How can we be more present with our actions? There's just something about not being present that seems, well, un-peaceful.

Peace tip #10

Being present in our actions, all our actions is challenging; an admirable goal but not the best place to begin. Several people have made some wonderful comments through the course of the peace-along that could be helpful. Today, set aside some time to be present. Maybe it's while you knit, take a walk, listen to music or eat your supper.

Here are a few suggestions to help you remain present on your chosen task:

• Repeat "With every stitch, I am more peaceful"
• Set an alarm twice a day to stop and think about peace (from Natalie, a reader)
• As you walk, repeat "I am peace"
• Create your own "mantra" for your chosen activity. 

If you wish, share your mantra in a comment below; perhaps it will resonate with someone else.

A word about the pattern, Project Peace. The stitch pattern includes two rounds that require you to pay a little more attention and then by design there are two rounds of simple knitting. Allow the stitch pattern to bring you into focus and then allow your mind to wander away. If you are working on a different project allow yourself to find this rhythm.  

“Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, and today is a gift; that’s why they call it the present.
”

— Eleanor Roosevelt

Glen Etive and Buachaille Etive Beag in the Highlands of Scotland, peace abounds...

Oh my, day 9...

You know how there are certain smells or sounds that immediately transport you to an earlier time in your life? Or eating a particular food that brings back fond memories? So many examples are running through my mind that I can't seem to capture anyone of them long enough to write them down. Yet the one example that lingers is the one that inspired today's peace tip.

As long as I can remember I've been listening to the music of George Winston. I must have been in high school when his music became popular. His ability to musically describe nature resonated with me. I would hear his songs with titles like forest, snow, December, rain song or walking in the air and immediately feel transported into the world he was depicting. If the most talented of poets were to describe a snowfall, or the rushing of waves against a sandy beach, George Winston translates that into music.

His music reminds me of good times but also allows me to daydream. When I listen to the pieces on the "album" December, I see myself in a snowy forest on a long walk bundled in warm wooly wonders, or sitting by a cozy fire covered with a hand-stitched quilt while sipping a cup of tea.  

Peace tip #9.

Find yourself a nice quiet place to sit. Open this link, press play. Close your eyes and listen. The title of this is (perhaps I'm a little predictable at this point) "Peace" by George Winston.

Where did this song take you? Someplace peaceful? Remember that place so in the midst of chaos you can think about that place and find a little respite from the storm. 

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams”

— Eleanor Roosevelt

A bowl of peace, dreams, and friendship...

Arriving now, day 8...

Remember when we first began this journey? We started with "peace...this we choose each day." Today we return to that phrase. It's a choice and certainly not always an easy one as we all know. It's seems that there are so many temptations to be, well, not so peaceful. Whether it's the traffic, challenging co-workers, the needs of family members (let's not even talk about eye-rolling teenage girls), waiting in lines or on the phone for customer service regarding internet (or phones or computers or...), or constant updates regarding the latest in domestic and international politics.  

The last week has been so uplifting. To focus on peace as all those other un-peaceful activities continue. I, for one, have done a better job however I have a lot left to learn. The next quote captures what I'm striving for when it comes to personal peace.

“Peace. It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart.”

— Unknown

Peace tip #8.

It's a simple tip today. A reminder to chose peace when you are in the midst of uncertainty and chaos. My friend Lisa has kindly modified the Project Peace pattern page and inserted my favorite peace quote. Thank you Lisa! Feel free to print this and post in a place that will remind you to choose peace.