let's talk about devotion
Devotion is my word of the year. In my family, my friendships, my work, I aspire to focus on what’s most important so that unnecessary, habitual, self-inflicted urgency can fall away.
When the word devotion appeared in my mind immediately thought about the time it takes. Devotion feels to me like a whole-hearted, drop everything to address the immediate need kind of experience. Maybe that's because I most easily relate to devotion in terms of motherhood and friendship?
Maybe devotion can also be the discipline and commitment to set aside dedicated time in advance. Maybe I can plan in a devoted way and not simply prioritize my reactions. Being devoted to the class container I set up for my students to have a nurturing and supportive experience inside Sewing is Magic means I don't take on other projects during that period. In fact, my commitment to being available for the upcoming cohort led me to decide that this is the last time this year I'll offer it with live support. There's so much more I have lined up to extend the magic of sewing, in the same non-intimidating, light-hearted but meaningful way. The beginner class was always meant to be a resource to lead into making clothes for ourselves. Bringing some confidence and openness to handmade experiments is the whole point. A pre-requisite, but one that's not required (is there a word for that?) It will always be available for that first step.
The way I've designed the course means it can stand on its own as a completely self-directed study. I offered the cohort format and live check-ins to serve people who told me they really need accountability and to feel that extra excitement of knowing there's a group energy that comes from working on something at the same time as others, whether they ever meet or speak or not. (I certainly feel that group energy in the 30-day yoga challenges every year in January. I don't participate in YouTube comments or community features. It's enough for me to know I'm not alone.)
If you know someone (or you are someone) who wants to learn to sew from scratch please let them know about Sewing is Magic, and that registration is open until next week, February 15. I'm closing signups a week before classes start so the little gift I send in the mail can arrive before the instruction starts on 2/22/22. (Yes, of course I will send it anywhere in the world!)
I've updated the course to include hand-sewing instructions for every project, so truly anyone who wants to learn to sew can start now, whether they have access to a machine or not. I don't make anything that doesn't include some hand-finishing, personally. I feel more connected to anything I make when I complete it by hand. It's a way I create with devotion. This nuance of devotion expresses my love, intention, and connection with what I'm making.
I am practicing devotion in my day-to-day life where I remain open to notice what happens when my thoughts and actions are in service to my heart. I don’t have any illusions that devotion will be an easy practice. My last couple “words of the year” have been easy for me, since they were mostly reminders.
Last year's word was Collaboration. I had the best time making group projects and bringing concepts together that on the surface don’t naturally relate. That has continued into this year, and probably will continue for the rest of my life. I'm a big fan of the group project. In 2020 my word was Light. It was a heavy year (maybe they all are?) but I found that looking for the light inside me was easy once I set that intention.
Devotion is going to require more experimentation, dedication to practice new ways of being, and for me to be patient with myself. If I can practice yoga every single day for more than a year now, I can spend a few minutes each morning drawing or painting or writing (all things I LOVE) to reflect on how I can bring my whole self to whatever’s on my plate for that day. I’m telling you because I’ve meant to do this since last December, and maybe if I say it out loud (or write it out loud, I guess) I’ll be more likely to remember.
How do you practice devotion? Do you have routines that help support your practice? I'd love to hear about them!
