Press Pack Emma Swinnerton
Mindful Stitch A community derived workshop that sits under the umbrella of Craft, Health and Mental Wellbeing
Twenty-first century... sociological observations suggest that society is infected with the ‘Hurry Virus’. This workshop will take time out to slow down and be more mindful. It will introduce participants to mindful stitch practices on the body and generate dialogue in and around the threads of wellbeing.
Mindfulness is... a type of cognitive therapy originally practiced within Buddhist meditation. Mindfulness practices entwined with Mindful Stitch aims to encourage our self-awareness of immediate goings on, moment to moment with body and mind. From day to day, practicing the art of mindfulness can help us to understand what we feel body and mind without judgement. Taking time out to use stitch as a community-shared experience will potentially help to not only create awareness of the importance of a positive mental wellbeing, but allow us to develop the ability to respond to worries or thoughts rather than react.
With the NHS...
Press Pack Emma Swinnerton
adopting mindfulness practices under the ‘five steps to a positive wellbeing’, Mindful Stitch can help to develop a greater sense of wellbeing, and is suited for people struggling to cope with depression/anxiety and stress. Mindful Stitch is a community derived workshop, however, could help develop an increased independence to manage difficult situations with a heightened self-awareness and increased self-esteem.
Mindful Stitch... aims to introduce Mindfulness practices to the craft community and craft mindfulness as a parallel to mindfulness arts.
Mindful Stitch in the community to date 5th & 21st Nov 2013: Open workshop @Coll3ct Exhibition, Packhorse Centre Gallery, Huddersfield 25th Nov -1 0th Dec 2013: Open workshop @ University of Huddersfield 30th Nov 2013: Subversive Stitch: Revisited, V&A 4th Dec 2013: First year undergraduate Curriculum incorporated workshop “Therapeutic” “Relaxing” “No Pressure”
Press Pack Emma Swinnerton
My Own Mindfulness Practices I adopt a mindful approach to my personal embroidery works. I currently have two continuing mindful stitch samples, one a blanket, and the other a jumper, both of which I maintain a physical contact with whilst stitching, and a direct link to personal thought and emotion through mindful awareness. I have a motivated interest in collaborating both craft and mindfulness practices in the hope to improve mental wellbeing within the community.
Contact: Emma Swinnerton EmmaLSwinn@hotmail.com 07972084035 EmmaSwinn.wordpress.com Twitter: @EmmaSwinn91