I’ve been reflecting on how our ancestors spent their passive time (when they had any) in comparison to how most spend theirs today in this overconsumption culture. So many thoughts have come up, such as when did we stop putting our hands to something, anything? For nothing more than a quiet, contemplating, repetitive, rythmic, purpose?

Generations of skill in leatherwork, sewing, knitting, basket weaving, wittling, bread making, hide tanning, crafting, gardening (the list goes on), suddenly halting….all because of these devices we are both holding in our hands. Me as I type this, you as you read this. Now, I don’t say this to make you feel guilty, as I’m thrilled you have found me here! And technology is not all bad, as we are both learning these ancestral, maternal, soul nourishing skills + ways of living through the advancements of technology bringing like minded folks together; which is better than not at all.

The problem comes from the fact that we are not giving ourselves the time to be in silence, reflecting, pondering, dreaming, praying, considering and being with our thoughts; all while our nervous system reaps the benefit of the repetitive, rythmic movements of having our hands be busy, doing quiet productive tasks; almost subconsciously, while our minds process what we are learning in our life’s journey, along with all we consume through technology.

So, put your hands to something. Pick up a handi-craft, revisit an aold hobby you used to enjoy, or one that you know one of your grandmothers or great grandmothers enjoyed (connect with them that way, even if they have passed)….maybe, our tendancy (addiction) to scrolling + holding these devices comes from the deep yearning to have our hands busy with something of value. So, dear soul, put your phone down more and settle into the present, slow it all down + allow your mind to just be; without any new new inputs. If you don’t know where to start with your hands, here are some ideas:

Work on a puzzle, sort it by color, work on connecting the edges first.

Massage your partner’s back, hands or feet. Allow the mto relax, while you reflect on your thoughts, working your hands + arms with this rythmic, quiet work, plus the oxytocin benefit of loving touch between the both of you.

Knead some bread, even if the end result isn’t great, we all can find flour, yeast, and water (if you are a sourdough maker, that’s great too). The rythmic sensory experience of bread making is what we are after here; if it turns out great after baking it, even better!

Dig in the soil, squeezing it between your fingers….even if you don’t garden, you know how + where to seek out dirt (or beach sand).

Hand wash dishes. Embrace the sensation of the warm water + the rythmic motion of cleaning; bonus points if you light a candle within your line of sight to enjoy the benefits the flame brings.

Work with clay or play-dough. Roll it, shape it, and if you are a mama have your little loves join in for some quality + present time together.

With gratitude,

Loagan Elizabeth