Meg's Handwoven Makrameh

Weaving on a loom encompasses both artistic expression and therapeutic benefits, necessitating physical coordination and equilibrium throughout the process. The rhythmic and repetitive nature of weaving induces a sense of tranquility, reassurance, and contemplation. Studies reveal striking similarities between weaving, as well as other textile crafts like sewing, knitting, and crocheting, and practices such as mindfulness and meditation, all of which have a positive impact on mental well-being. Neuroscientists are starting to comprehend the effects of mindfulness, meditation, and entering a state of "flow" on the brain. Engaging in art enables individuals to enter a state of "flow," where they become completely absorbed in their work, losing track of time and disregarding their ego. It is likely that you have experienced this flow state while weaving, even if you were not consciously aware of it—it is that threshold where you are wholly engrossed in the project or activity, blurring the boundaries between your body, the loom, and the fibers. Similar to meditation, the flow state diminishes activity in the prefrontal cortex, responsible for analytical functions such as logical reasoning, self-awareness, decision-making, and social consciousness. Consequently, your rational brain, which is perpetually occupied with regulating every aspect of your life, finds respite, allowing more primal regions of your brain to take charge. The instinctual and emotive limbic system assumes dominance, resulting in an unhindered experience of creativity. Overthinking subsides, and you can simply exist in the present moment. Additionally, the flow state has been associated with the release of mood-enhancing neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, endorphins, and anandamide. This chemical blend not only induces positive feelings but also enhances focus, stimulates imagination, and enables the brain to establish connections between seemingly unrelated ideas. New neural pathways are formed, as brain cells (neurons) grow dendrites, which facilitate communication with other neurons. Consequently, being in the flow of weaving actively promotes brain health by cultivating denser, better-connected networks, thereby facilitating higher cognitive function.