The Mindfulness-based Macramé Mandala Workshop, hosted in collaboration with Jyothir Studio, proved to be an inspiring and heartwarming experience. Participants from diverse backgrounds came together to explore the world of macramé and mindfulness.
The opportunity for the workshop came through a teacher and parent of one of my students at a school, where I volunteered to help the students learn a creative new skill, macrame. This connection led me to explore the possibility of conducting the workshop at her friend's studio, where I connected with Jyothi, making this wonderful experience come to life.
As we started the workshop , a sense of excitement and curiosity filled the space. Participants wore their creative hats and eagerly experimented with colorful cords. They patiently learned intricate knotting techniques, embracing the meditative rhythm of macramé. With each knot, the participants seemed to immerse themselves deeper into a state of mindfulness, fully present in the moment.
A beautiful sight greeted us as a mother, her daughters, and her granddaughter came together to participate. The youngest participant, not even ten years old, displayed unwavering dedication, even continuing her knots during the break. The workshop also attracted individuals with various intentions. While one enjoyed "me time", the other enjoyed staying mindful and focused throughout. One experienced artist sought to learn a new art form, another longed for quality time with her daughter through macramé. Some were introduced to macramé for the first time, while others revisited their past experience to refresh their memory on the basics of knotting and create a macramé mandala art.
Beyond just learning a craft, the workshop became a transformative journey of self-discovery and expression. Participants not only created stunning macramé mandalas but also experienced the power of mindfulness, finding peace in the art of knotting cords. The joy and pride exhibited by the participants, as they proudly displayed their unique macramé mandalas were truly infectious.
A special thank you goes to Jyothir Studio for this opportunity to collaborate. I am thankful to Jyothi for her contributions in helping us relax and reenergize throughout the workshop. To all the participants, their passion, enthusiasm, and dedication have left a memorable mark on me. May their macramé mandala art serve as a constant reminder of the mindfulness and creativity that reside within each of one of them.
In addition to the inspiring workshop experience, I came across a touching story while scrolling through Instagram reels. Kelly, a divergent coach, shared her personal journey with ADHD, where she carried a burden of shame and guilt surrounding her hobbies. She would invest in various hobbies, but often found herself abandoning them after just a few weeks or months. To cope with this, she attempted to monetize her hobbies to make them "worth it" by covering the expenses. However, this pursuit of monetization drained the joy from these once enjoyable activities, potentially contributing to her decision to quit.
One insightful advice from her therapist brought a new perspective. The therapist said, "You don't need to do a hobby for a lifetime for it to be worthwhile. If you enjoyed yourself and spent within your means, it was worth it." This simple yet powerful words allowed Kelly to appreciate the value of her hobbies regardless of their duration, understanding that the joy and fulfillment experienced in the moment were what truly mattered.
This story serves as a reminder that the worth of our hobbies lies not in their longevity or monetary gains but in the joy, they bring to our lives and the memories we create along the way. Embracing each hobby as a meaningful experience, whether it lasts for weeks, months, or a lifetime, can bring a sense of freedom from societal expectations and empower us to enjoy every moment of our creative pursuits.
The Mindfulness-based Macramé Mandala Workshop beautifully intertwined mindfulness with creativity, leaving us with a deep appreciation for the present moment's joy and the transformative power of artistic expression.
-Archana Harish
Click here to watch the workshop reel on our Instagram Page @knotsquare.in
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