Here is the next of the beautiful, inspiring, special contributions coming in to the #MandalasForMarinke remembrance project. I am grateful for each and every amazing contribution. You are invited to join; learn more here.
Beautiful Crochet Mandala
I adore this crochet spoke mandala that’s made in the colors of the rainbow with a border of white and blue that looks just like the sky.
Meet the Maker
Cherity from IL shares:
“I came across Wink’s work through blog hopping a couple of years ago. I enjoyed her use of color, and her designs included great step-by-step instructions, which made it easier for a beginner to use.
I was unaware of her struggles with depression until this past month when she openly commented on her blog post. I think many people use creating as a way to pull themselves from negative feelings. I have found such enjoyment and satisfaction from the process and watching the creation come into being. This has been one of the draws to Wink’s blog for me. She seemed to share that same enjoyment of presenting her creations to the world.
I wanted to contribute as a way to show that even though I did not know her personally, Wink’s work has contributed to my own life. I have worked in the mental health field as a licensed counselor for 14 years. I think once we get ourselves into depression we are not able to see how we affect others, and we may not feel that they even notice or care about us. I have used crochet as a way to cope when life was too overwhelming. I sought the comfort in the counting and rhythm of the stitches. The more I crocheted, the better the outcome, which made me feel more accomplished, gaining more inner confidence.
To Wink’s family, I am so sorry for your loss. I just wish you to know how fond I am of her work.”
Words by Wink
In February 2013, Wink shared a list of things she does to show love to others. The list, which you can see in full here, includes:
- I can admire all the things that others create.
- I can give someone space when they need it.
- I can smile.
- I can accept differences.
- I can apologize and I can forgive.
- I can accept love.
About Depression
One purpose of this project is to raise awareness about depression so each post will end with some facts, thoughts or quotes about depression, suicide and/or mental health. Practicing self-compassion is so important in depression, even though it’s so difficult. Aaron Moore, in his article 5 Thoughts for Those Struggling with Depression (or Life), writes:
“If we are honest, kindness does not always come easy. While we may offer it to others, it often is far more difficult to extend to ourselves. This seems especially true when we find ourselves struggling with something like depression. Depression sucks. While that is not the most clinical statement, it is true. It sucks joy and color out of our days, our work, our relationships, our life, leaving in its place something painful and confusing, even shameful and isolating.”
And adds:
“In our efforts to move through depression, we do not need a drill sergeant to get our ass in gear. If Henry James was right and one of the most important things we can do is be kind, then we need to start with being kind and extending compassion to ourselves in the midst of depression and other struggles we may be going through.”
I appreciate that the suggestions begin with “be kind to your past” and “go easy on yourself now”. And a part of that I’m practicing right now is: “Give yourself permission to not have to be better immediately and for recovery to take a little while.”
All contributions to Mandalas for Marinke are welcome and will help raise awareness about depression while honoring her work in the same way that this great contribution has done today. Details to join here.
1 comment
Comments are closed.