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Repetitive Actions and the Comfort They Bring
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Hi Reader,
Welcome to this edition of The Calm Crocheter newsletter from me, Alison, at Old English Creations.
Lately, I've been thinking about crochet and self-care and specifically, how the rhythmic motion of stitching can be so calming.
There's something almost meditative about repeating the same stitch over and over.
Once you find your rhythm in a pattern, it's easy to slip into a flow state, where time drifts away and it's just you and the yarn.
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The Power of Repetition
It Begins
Repetition is a fundamental part of our human experience.
From an early age, we find solace in familiar patterns.
As children, we beg to hear the same bedtime story over and over because knowing the ending makes it less scary.
Predictability brings comfort.
Familiar
As we grow older, this craving for repetition manifests in the routines we build.
We take the same route to work, follow a familiar schedule, and frequent the same restaurants, often ordering the same dishes.
There is security in the predictable.
Reassured
This is why you favor one restaurant over another or choose a particular coffee shop, not just for the quality of the food or drink but for the reliability of the experience.
If you order a No. 3 burger and fries at a fast-food chain in your hometown, you can expect the exact same meal at a franchise across the country or even on another continent.
A grandé latte at Starbucks in Vancouver will taste the same as one ordered at Heathrow Airport.
This consistency reassures us.
Safe
On a fundamental level, the unknown is unsettling, even intimidating.
But the known?
That feels safe, comfortable, and familiar.
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The Repetitive Joy of Crochet
Patterns
Crochet embodies this concept beautifully.
At its core, it consists of simple stitches—loops and knots repeated again and again to form intricate designs.
Once you grasp a pattern, you enter a state of effortless flow.
Whether you are crafting a single motif or assembling a full blanket, the process remains predictable, soothing, and deeply satisfying.
Escape
Consider the classic granny square.
Each one is identical in structure, offering a sense of accomplishment with every completed piece.
The only decision might be whether to use pink or blue yarn, a choice that feels manageable and unthreatening.
Because crochet follows a set formula, it offers a therapeutic escape from the unpredictability of daily life.
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Repetition as a Form of Stress Relief
Rhythm
When life feels chaotic, repetitive tasks act as an anchor.
The act of doing something over and over brings peace to frazzled nerves.
After a long, stressful day at work, picking up a crochet hook and settling into a familiar rhythm can be incredibly relaxing.
It may appear like work, but unlike the demands of a job, it carries none of the pressure.
Unpredictable
At work, you never truly know what will happen.
Will the cash drawer balance at the end of your shift?
Will your boss be in a bad mood?
Will a coworker call in sick, leaving you with extra responsibilities?
Work environments can be unpredictable, filled with challenging colleagues, high expectations, and constant demands.
Control
Crochet, by contrast, is entirely within your control.
Each stitch follows the last in perfect order.
You can see the progress unfolding in your hands, and there are no surprises.
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Finding Comfort in the Known
Constancy
Repetitive actions—whether it's listening to a familiar song, cooking a favorite meal, or crocheting a simple pattern—offer a refuge from the chaos of life.
They remind us that, even in a world of uncertainty, some things remain constant.
And in that constancy, we find peace.
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Expanding the Benefits of Repetition
Beyond Crochet
Beyond crochet, there are numerous ways repetitive actions bring comfort and stability to our lives.
Many people find similar solace in activities like knitting, baking, gardening, or even journaling.
These tasks, though simple, provide a rhythm that helps quiet the mind and soothe anxiety.
Season Cycles
For instance, gardening follows the same seasonal cycles year after year.
There is a familiar comfort in planting seeds, watching them sprout, and tending to the growing plants.
The repetition of watering, pruning, and harvesting allows the gardener to feel connected to something greater, a natural order that brings reassurance.
Grounding Rituals
Similarly, journaling can be a form of structured repetition.
Writing down thoughts, recounting daily events, or listing things to be grateful for can create a grounding ritual.
Knowing that you can always return to the same process provides stability amid uncertainty.
Physical
Even physical activities, such as running or yoga, benefit from repetition.
A morning run or a consistent yoga practice helps establish routine and order, offering a dependable retreat from stress.
The rhythm of footsteps on a trail or the repetition of sun salutations fosters a meditative state, allowing the mind to rest even as the body moves.
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A Path to Mindfulness
Release
Repetition is more than just a habit—it is a doorway to mindfulness.
When we immerse ourselves in repetitive tasks, we are fully present in the moment.
Each stitch, each breath, each step becomes a meditative act, drawing us away from worries about the past or the future.
Spiritual Practices
This is why so many cultures incorporate repetition into spiritual practices.
From the rhythmic chanting of mantras to the careful, measured strokes of calligraphy, repetition fosters deep focus and tranquility.
The act itself becomes a form of meditation, grounding us in the present moment.
Crochet as Sanctuary
In a world filled with distractions and uncertainties, embracing the power of repetition can be a sanctuary.
Whether through crochet, gardening, journaling, or movement, these simple, repetitive actions remind us that peace is often found in the familiar.
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Overarch
And so…
I do hope you have enjoyed this newsletter.
Personally, I find it interesting how hobbies and crafts such as crochet can add value to your life although it is not immediately apparent.
I do believe that awareness is key, so when you realize that this is occurring as you're crocheting, you actually end up feeling better at the end.
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See you next time!
Crochetely yours,
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