Turning and turning in the widening gyre   
The falcon cannot hear the falconer;
Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold;
Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world,
The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere   
The ceremony of innocence is drowned;
The best lack all conviction, while the worst   
Are full of passionate intensity.

William Butler Yeats

I don’t have to tell you that the world has descended into chaos. We are well beyond dumpster fire, sailing into uncharted territory where there are most certainly large dragons dwelling.

I understand that it can be challenging to find any kind of peace in the midst of this nightmare. One practice that has helped me to quiet the external and internal noise is crafting. It may seem frivolous to suggest that something as simple as doodling a cat or crocheting a washcloth can ease the tension, but it works for me. I lose myself in the process of creation, a kind of meditation.

I know it works for others as well as I participate in two monthly craft groups. Some months, we work together on a specific project. Other months, we bring our own works in progress. There is food and fellowship, with a focus on the personal rather than the political. These groups spur my creativity and sense of community, giving me courage to try new things without having to be perfect.

March is National Craft Month and a great excuse to add a bit of crafting to your life, whether you pursue your lifelong passion or decide to learn how to do something new. Hoopla, a digital service provider for libraries, is celebrating with a curated collection of resources from books to television shows. You can access the list even without an account; check with your public library to see if they offer access to Hoopla. Your library may also have crafting kitso check out as part of their Library of Things. My library hosts monthly crafting sessions.

I make crafting a daily part of my day. I share a bit on social media but mostly just among friends. Online groups are not always as kind as they might be. (See The Craft Police.) Here’s a sample: I used washi tape to create a collage.