crafty DIY Therapy

It has been said that any activity that is repetitive, quiet & demands focus for an extended period of time qualifies as meditative. It almost certainly isn't in my case since I cannot achieve that "flow state" (my main medical condition prevents it), but it does have mild therapeutic value...a brief diversion from my problems, quieting the mind a bit, etc. And all without having to take pills, drink, or otherwise mess with my brain chemistry. What activity achieves this?

In my case it's braiding with hemp twine (& sometimes jute & other natural cordage). Occasionally it involves knotwork but mostly it's braiding. If you do it for long enough you can even make useful objects, or have something to wrap a tool handle with, or other good stuff. Plus you can buy hemp twine online for not too many dineros. There are at least two websites I know of that sell it in various weights & colors. You could rent or buy the book Braiding & Knotting Techniques & Projects by Constantine A. Belash to get you started, or just look for basic three-strand & four-strand flat braid instructions online. There are over a dozen YouTube channels that will teach you how if you prefer your intros in video format.

At bottom are snapshots of the current hemp project. I filtered them to reduce the *** apartment lighting effect as best I could. If you are depressed, or maybe you're panicky & need to let off some nervous energy or whatever, give this a try.