I never go anywhere without my knitting.
Lately, I’ve been taking any and every opportunity to help others learn to knit. It seems I have become a knitting evangelist.
The word “evangelism” has interesting roots. It’s gotten a bad rap in the last few years as it has been increasingly been used in place of the word “proselytizing.” Let’s not go there but you probably know what I’m talking about. Historically, the word origins of “evangelism” are more about “bringing a good message” and are even related to the roots of “angel,” which originally just meant “messenger.”
So what message is there in knitting that makes me want to share it?
- It feels good to the chemistry of my brain.
Repetitive, rhythmic motions raise serotonin levels and that’s good for mood. Mine anyway. Knitting is a great antidote to stress.
- It feels good to the calculating part of my brain.
Modifying a pattern, planning the yarn purchase, tracking the construction… all of these exercise my left brain and give it a bite-sized workout toward a bigger goal.
- It feels good to my senses.
I’m very picky now about what yarn I will hold and look at for hours and hours to complete a project. It doesn’t have to be terribly expensive but it does have to look gorgeous and feel good moving through my fingers. Softer, muted colors are soothing to me. As for the tactile qualities, the yummier the better. It’s not unlike holding a kitten or a puppy; it’s hard to be unhappy with something soft and cuddly in your hands.
- It feels good to my ambition.
I need to feel productive and knitting lets me see immediate progress, even if it’s just a few inches a day.
- It’s feels good to my body.
Knitting and snacking don’t really mix. It’s hard to hold a sticky bun and a wad of yarn at the same time. As long as I don’t sit near the M&Ms at a knitting group, my body feels good.
- It feels good to connect with others.
Being a public knitter is almost as gregarious as carrying a baby around. People love to ask questions about it and tell me their own stories about knitting or a relative who was a knitter. These personal stories fascinate me as they nearly always evoke a childhood memory of an aunt or a grandmother for the teller. Talking about traditional crafts anchors our connection with our ancestors.
- It feels good to my soul.
I give away a lot of knitting and it feels good to think of people being warmed or soothed by something that I created. I’m part of a new prayer shawl ministry at my church where we are very intentional about creating objects of comfort for people at a time when they most need to know that others care.
Clearly, I have strong connections to what feels good about knitting and it’s easy to share those messages with others.
As my coaching practice evolves, I am asking myself every day: what is my message about coaching? If I had to describe my service as a (blank) evangelist, what would it be? It’s kind of driving me crazy. I want it to be as clear as knitting by firing on lots of cylinders. Knitting is a simple passion for me; it connects effort with meaning. Ah, there it is – THAT is what I hope for clients: for them to experience meaning in as many parts of their lives as possible. That is the essence of personal development.
I’m willing to continue wrestling with this in public. Will you jump in and share your message?
What are you doing and how does it feel good? What are the connections you offer in your service?
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By Laurie Foley
Laurie Foley helps solo professionals discover their natural brand so that they can get clear, get noticed and get clients. Sign up to receive your free copy of The Inner Brandifesto, her popular guidebook full of brand-building exercises.
