In the last few years I have had a number of very significant personal losses. Knitting has helped me through my grief in a whole range of ways including keeping me grounded through times of overwhelm; creating space for slowing down and sitting with very painful feelings; connecting with other people through making gifts; and offering myself moments of comfort. It has also been a part of my identity and life history that I’ve been able to hold on to in the midst of turmoil, trauma and the utter disorientation of sudden and unexpected death. This sense of continuity has been an important anchor, and I’m so grateful to have had the gift of knitting to (literally) hold my hands through this awful time.
I spoke about the therapeutic power of knitting through grief with my friend and colleague Dr Monika Wieliczko on her podcast A Guide to After Life. Monika is a fellow Clinical Psychologist, and also a widow. Her podcast explores a range of issues related to grief and bereavement, aimed at helping listeners move from surviving to thriving after loss.
Listen to the episode below
