Cringing Towards Carpet Clarity
I’ll never forget the day I ran straight into a lamppost while out for an early morning jog with my friend Marie. It hurt like hell, but in the moment, I laughed through the searing pain and kept running. “I’m fine,” I lied to her, not wanting to admit my sheer clumsiness.
You see, I’ve always been a little, well, weird. Growing up as a Russian immigrant in a West Texas oil town, I never quite fit in. I brought beet salad to school instead of Lunchables, and my dad tried to get me to use his Siberian rug as a poster board for class presentations. These experiences scarred me, and I struggled to make friends, constantly feeling like an outsider.
Even now, as an adult, I find social situations stressful. Parties make my heart race, and I often bail early, slipping out unnoticed. Small talk feels like running a 10K, and I’ve even avoided calling back a friend because I just didn’t know what to say. I’m the kind of person who, when a group of journalists started talking about the “pointlessness” of journalism at a dinner, blurted out, “Do you ever worry that journalism is kind of pointless because it aims to help people but all you’re really doing is pointing out the problems, not doing anything about them?” Cue the awkward silence and long sips of drinks.
But over the years, I’ve come to realize that my weirdness – my tendency to cringe at myself and feel perpetually out of sync with those around me – might actually be a gift. See, I’ve discovered that weaving, of all things, has had a profound effect on my mental health and wellbeing. And I’m not the only one.
The Flow of Fiber
It all started when I woke up one morning and realized I hadn’t had an anxiety attack in months. I wasn’t sure what had changed, but then I remembered – I had been weaving regularly. As life got busy and I stepped away from the loom, my anxiety came roaring back. But when I returned to my weaving practice, it once again began to subside.
I started asking around and found that many of my fellow weavers described similar experiences. One, Lucy Poskitt, said that after developing chronic insomnia, it was her return to weaving that finally helped her sleep again. Another, Tegan Frisino, shared that her “weaving meditations” were the only time her anxiety stopped, “at least for a few hours.” And Ashley Owens found that weaving not only provided a “mental vacation” but also helped with her ADHD-related sensory overload.
It seems that the act of weaving, when done with intention and focus, can induce a flow state – that blissful, timeless zone where you’re so absorbed in the activity that you lose all sense of self. And this flow state, it turns out, has some pretty remarkable benefits for our mental health.
As Sarah Neubert, a fellow weaver, explains, when you’re in a flow state, your prefrontal cortex – the part of the brain responsible for logical, analytical thinking – becomes less active. Instead, the more instinctual, emotive limbic system takes over. This means your rational brain can finally take a break, and your creativity and imagination are free to roam.
But the benefits don’t stop there. Flow state has also been linked to the release of mood-enhancing neurochemicals like dopamine, serotonin, endorphins, and anandamide. Not only does this chemical cocktail make you feel good, but it also enhances your focus, boosts your imagination, and allows your brain to make new connections.
In other words, when you’re weaving in a state of flow, you’re literally growing a healthier brain. And as someone who has struggled with anxiety and social awkwardness my whole life, I can attest to the power of this practice.
Weaving My Way to Wellbeing
After discovering the connection between weaving and my own mental health, I became a bit of a neuroscience nerd, digging deeper into the research and talking to other weavers about their experiences. What I found was both fascinating and empowering.
It seems that the key to unlocking the brain benefits of weaving is all about consistency, intention, and method. As one weaver, James Davis, put it, “The notion of discipline is so central for me. Meditation and fiber art are not just something you do every now and then. They are immersive disciplines of inward exploration which one can use to deepen one’s experience of life.”
So, I’ve made a commitment to weave every day, even if it’s just for a short period of time. And before I sit down at the loom, I take a moment to set an intention – something as simple as “Today at the loom, I want to have 30 minutes of peace” or “Today at the loom, I want to experience oneness with my body.”
I’ve also found that being fully present and focused during my weaving practice is key. No podcasts, no Netflix, no distractions. Just the rhythmic motion of the loom, the feel of the fibers, and the quiet hum of my own breath. It’s in these moments of complete immersion that I find myself slipping into that magical flow state.
And let me tell you, the results have been nothing short of transformative. My anxiety has decreased significantly, and I’ve found a sense of calm and clarity that I never thought possible. But it’s not just me – as the author Olga Khazan discovered, many other “outsiders” and “weirdos” have found similar solace and healing in the act of weaving.
Carpets and Calming
So, what does all of this have to do with carpet cleaning? Well, let me tell you – the same principles that make weaving such a powerful tool for mental health can be applied to the care and maintenance of your carpets.
Just like weaving, caring for your carpets can be a meditative, calming practice. Whether you’re vacuuming, spot-cleaning, or scheduling a professional carpet cleaning service, the rhythmic motions and focused attention can help you find a state of flow and inner peace.
And the benefits of a well-maintained carpet go far beyond just aesthetics. Healthy, clean carpets can actually improve your overall wellbeing. By removing dirt, allergens, and other pollutants, you’re creating a safer, healthier environment for your home and your family. This can lead to improved air quality, reduced respiratory issues, and even a boost in mood and cognitive function.
It’s a win-win-win: you get the calming, flow-inducing experience of carpet care, the physical health benefits of a clean living space, and the mental health perks of finding that elusive state of inner peace. And really, isn’t that what we all could use a little more of these days?
So, the next time you find yourself dreading the thought of vacuuming or scheduling a carpet cleaning, take a deep breath and reframe it as an opportunity for self-care. Approach it with intention, presence, and a touch of that signature weirdness that makes you, well, you. Who knows – you might just find that your carpets hold the key to unlocking your inner calm and cultivating a healthier, happier life.
