“I really enjoy hand sewing, even though that’s kind of dumb since it takes forever.”
“I shouldn’t be so proud of baking this, but I am.”
“I know I could have bought this at the store, but I felt like making it for some reason.”
Have you also heard comments like this? They’re statements from people who admittedly enjoy the simple things, but sometimes there seems to be just the slightest touch of shame…maybe they want to convey a sense of modesty, but I hear this type of thing so much and wonder if that’s always the case.
Too often, I see or hear comments like these, seemingly harmless on the surface, but with just a bit of embarrassment lurking beneath…
Why do we feel the need to apologize for these kinds of accomplishments? Why do we downplay our enjoyment of things we’d called simple?
Technology can be a great blessing, But just because we can have manufacturers, machines, or companies do things for us doesn’t mean that we must. (No, This isn’t an anti-technology rant…) However, there is absolutely nothing foolish about doing something by hand, even if you have the option to do otherwise.
Truly, one could find countless justification for doing things by hand. There are real benefits to our health, our environment, and our economy…but today I’m not talking about that.
Today, I’m talking about working with one’s hands for the sheer pleasure and enjoyment of it.
Tasks that might be called repetitive or monotonous may actually be meditative. Doing something slower can also mean doing it more intentionally. And creating something yourself instead of relying on a factory for said object might be called self-sufficiency, and there’s so much satisfaction in that.
I hope you won’t apologize for embracing simplicity. (It’s easy to do; I may have even done it myself before!) Instead, be proud to work with your hands and use the humble resources you have to create something from scratch…slowly, carefully, mindfully. Let others know that it’s not only okay, but something we can and should readily welcome and encourage.
Too busy crafting to read? Listen to articles like this and more on Prairie Craft Almanac, my weekly podcast about craft, creativity, nature, and sustainability…
