Introducing no. 14...

It's hard to believe we are 2/3 of the way through the peace-along. Yesterday marked over 22,000 downloads with continued increases since that time. Wow, can you believe...22,000 people. This is all because each one of you has told someone who's told someone, etc. Just think if all 22,000 people did that again we could instantly double that number. The astonishing thing is that this number of downloads represents the number of people that have been touched by peace in some way over the last month.

Before we get to today's tip, I want to remind all knitters that December 21 will be "world-wide knit-in for peace" day. We've created a map on Ravelry that allows people to place a pin for their location. Over 1000 pins are already on the map representing countries from all around the world. Please knit for peace on 12/21 whether you knit in solitude, with a friend, your knitting group, at a yarn store, someplace in public, make it your own celebration for peace. I read somewhere that a group is knitting at their local yarn store and lighting candles. So many ways but let's make sure everyone knows about it. And might I suggest that if you are reading these posts and are not a knitter perhaps consider doing something extra special on December 21st in the name of peace.

The compassion and creativity that has arisen over the past 14 days provides hope that peace can prevail. Thus far we've discussed what peace means to us, a few strategies to provide inner peace, reached out to others in a peaceful way and now we are going to begin thinking about the bigger picture. People have come together from around the world to embrace peace. Recall, my idea was to create world peace by helping individuals choose peace...if I could get people around the globe to do this then I jokingly said it'd be world peace.  

Thank you to Margot Kirby (daughter), her husband and mother (Viki, victoriasews [Ravelry]). Photo used with permission

One daughter asked her mother "what would you like for Christmas?" The mom replied "world peace." The daughter and her husband joined hands and created "world peace."  

This photo says everything about world peace...hand in hand we come together despite our differences for the good of all. 

Let's get to today's tip...

Peace tip #14...

Sit down with your knitting and look at your yarn. Where did this yarn come from? A store, or a fiber festival or.... Who were the workers in that store? Where did they get the yarn? Begin to trace back the origin of your yarn. But each time you reach a new landing spot (e.g. the store) think about those individuals and send them peaceful wishes, repeat. As a result, you'll be spreading peaceful wishes around the world during this activity. Some of you may have a short journey as the origin could be quite close. 

If you aren't a knitter, why not try this with the food in your meal, your hobby or even the furniture in your house. 

As a reminder of our connectedness around the globe, here's a template to create a chain of paper dolls. I haven't made these in years but something about this simple chain of paper dolls seems to capture that hand-in-hand feeling I associate with "world peace."

ANNOUNCEMENT

We have a special give-away from Expression Fiber Arts; a $25 gift certificate. Peace-alonger, Karen reached out to Expression Fiber Arts to see if they'd be willing to contribute and they said "yes." They have lots of beautiful yarn with names related to peace that would make beautiful peace cowls. To be eligible to win this very gracious gift please leave a comment on today's blog post by midnight (central US time)...something you've learned so far, or done as a result of the peace-along, or plan to do etc. Winner will be announced in tomorrow's post.

May today bring you peaceful steps and stitches...

Christina

Lucky thirteen...

It was a restless night, when you are asleep but not completely. For me, it's the tell-tale sign that something is on my mind. Not enough to keep me awake but enough to keep me from having a good night's sleep. It only took a few hours into the next day for me to pinpoint the "issue." It has to do with today's tip; knowing that to create a meaningful tip I needed to suggest something that I didn't think I could actually do. And that just didn't seem right.

In my family of creation, when my kids were little, I came up with a saying "keep the peace." I was tired of the bickering and was trying to get them to understand that at some point someone had to decide to end the squabble. It didn't mean you were giving in and defeated, it just meant that you were bigger than the situation and could walk away. I wish I could say that it worked like a charm for those young kids of mine. Perhaps not so much at that time but several years later my son had to give a talk about a family saying. He picked "keep the peace;"  apparently he had understood my intent despite not always following my advice.

Choosing peace doesn't mean you have to be passive or you are giving in.  

Peace is about being kind to yourself and others around you.

Choosing peace isn't always the easiest option.

And this brings me to today's tip...

Peace tip #13...

Let's spread peace to those around us with kind thoughts and actions. 

1. First, peace begins with YOU. Give yourself a little pat on the back and tell yourself something you do well and are proud of. Put that piece of paper, place it in your pocket and re-read it throughout the day.
2. Write a note to someone you respect or look up to. Perhaps it's someone you don't often praise but you should. Leave this note for them so they'll find it. You might find that this is so much fun that you repeat multiple times. 
3. Finally, think of someone that you don't get along with (e.g. co-worker, family member, someone that might have different viewpoints than you) as much as you wish. Write them a positive note. Send it or not but definitely put those thoughts on paper.

From "A Liturgy of Ordinary Radicals" by Okoro, Wilson-Hartgrove, Claiborne

In full disclosure, it's #3 that was the root of my restless sleep. I know exactly who I should shower with peace but I haven't felt that I could be that big of a person. Whether it was a coincidence or fate, yesterday morning I received an email from said person and I knew that I could reply with a positive "thank you." I know it was small but I was able to genuinely say thank you and it felt good. It felt right to allow something good to be associated with this individual. I wish I could say that said person replied with "your welcome" and now we are the epitome of collegiality. Alas, I cannot. However, I can say it brought me great peace in a situation that has plagued me with angst for several years.

The twelfth day...

Trees. I love trees. They provide protection from the elements, shelter in the form of a house, can be made into paper and the list goes on. Trees, what an extremely valuable resource.

My favorite yoga posture is tree pose or vriksasana. It seems so simple yet it can be challenging. Grounding down with one leg, the other leg bent with your foot placed against the standing leg. Arms reaching high, gently swaying to and fro. This pose combines strength, balance, beauty and fluidity into one. By far, my favorite.

I grew up in the mountains and have lived most of my life in the mountains except for the past 8 years. Heading deep into the forest on a walk is my refuge. Looking down at the textured ground covered with pine needles or to glance upward to see the majestic limbs reaching high into the sky. The soothing sound as the wind moves gently from branch to branch with a soft, shhhhhhh. A creak and a crack can be heard as the old hearty trunks adjust to the shifts in their surroundings as if to say "I'm old and strong but still adaptable." 

One of the world's largest organisms is an Aspen grove with a massively interconnected root system all stemming from one tree. Trees seem to be another wonderful symbol of peace, strong yet supple, not out to harm and a source of great beauty.

I'm drawn to the idea that our knitting community focused on peace these past 12 days is akin to the Aspen grove. Through our stitches focused on peace we are all connected. We stand strong yet flexible and fluid to the changes in our surroundings. Each of us with our own story but collectively united in peace. 

I'm reminded of a quote I've seen a few times. When I went searching for it I learned that it's a poem. I've provided you with a shortened version but the poem by Ilan Shamir can be found here.

Advice from a Tree

Seek nourishment from the good things in life
Simple pleasures
Earth, fresh air, light
Be content with your natural beauty
Drink plenty of water
Let your limbs sway and dance in the breezes
Be flexible
Remember your roots
Enjoy the view!

Peace tip #12

Take 10 minutes today for just you. Pull up a chair, feet firmly planted on the ground, eyes closed, and think of a tree, any tree, now let your mind go on a little journey. Where is this tree? What lessons are there to be learned from your tree?  After you've finished mind-wandering, jot down a few words to describe your thoughts. Why not try doodling some trees? 

Ponderosa State Park, McCall, ID

Old majestic ponderosa pine with lichen wrinkles

As legend has it, the leader of Clan Cameron was planting trees when he was called off to the Jacobite Uprising. He stuck all the shoots in the ground at the same time resulting in a collection of individual trees growing as one. 

Cameron Estates near the Great Glen Way, Scotland

Today, may you feel grounded and strong yet able to sway with whatever breeze blows your way...

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).