The conscious crafting week-end is using crafts such as knitting and so on as a means of entering a meditative state and thereby assisting with the improvements found with meditation techniques. Such as improved attention, concentration, better cognitive function and a whole range of psychological benefits.
As I do art as well as writing I was also interested in a piece I came across associating art & crafts with mental health & well-being. The article said that research has shown that contact with visual art releases feel-good chemicals such as endorphins, into the brain. These chemicals help with stress, pain relief, positive mood, relaxation and concentration. They also have positive physical effects, they slow down pulse and breathing, reduce blood pressure and boost the immune system. This is called "The Relaxation Response".
Whether viewing or making art, we can use it to explore our opinions, ponder our feelings, investigate our likes or dislikes, and consider our cultural identity and values. This can help us to express ourselves more clearly, and understand the way we view the world around us.
All of this ties into the theory of engaging the body in another pursuit whilst allowing the mind to roam, ponder or muse, as I covered earlier in an post about overcoming writer's block. So if cleaning a kitchen, gardening, running or walking are not up your street then art & crafts, (the making or viewing of them) could be the answer for you. It can be used to explore the process of your literary creation.
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