The Gentle Art of Togetherness: Weaving and Wabi Sabi
Weaving, Wabi Sabi, and the Joy of Togetherness
Yesterday, I hosted my very first weaving workshop in The West Cork Collective, Ballinspittle — and it was everything I had hoped for and more. The space quickly filled with a positive, inspiring energy as we sat together, each of us letting the rhythm of weaving carry us away.
As our hands moved almost of their own accord, we tapped into a different part of the brain — the creative, instinctive part that feels ancient and natural. This is what I love about weaving and twining: if you give yourself over to the process, it frees your mind to wander. Your thoughts and conversations begin to flow naturally, effortlessly. It feels like connecting to something much bigger than yourself.
Soft, relaxed music played in the background while conversation bubbled up around small things. We touched on wider topics, too — but it all felt so easy, like a reunion of old friends, even though we had never met before. Such is the magic of simple weaving: it draws you back to ancient times, when people would sit together, passing the hours in gentle company, releasing their stress and tension through the simple, primal act of creation.
I believe weaving like this is meant to be done in company. It’s a communal craft at heart, one that brings people together without forcing it.
Right now, I’m reading a book on Wabi Sabi — the Japanese art of embracing imperfection and letting go — and I can’t help but see the connection between its philosophy and the experience we shared yesterday.
Wabi is a mindset that finds beauty in humility, simplicity, and frugality as paths to tranquility and contentment. It reminds us that our true needs are simple, and that happiness comes from appreciating the beauty that already surrounds us.
In weaving, as in life, it’s only when we forget what our hands are doing that we can truly let go and create something wonderful.
It’s a lesson I’ll be carrying forward — and I’m so grateful to those who shared that beautiful afternoon of weaving, laughter, and quiet connection with me.
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