Hi! It’s so lovely and inspiring to hear how crafting and making has helped people with managing chronic pain.
I have always crafted since childhood on one thing or another from tapestry, sewing, weaving, felting, spinning, card-making, mosaic, you name it! I love how crafting is so relaxing, therapeutic and uplifting.
I was introduced to rudraksha malas through my meditation practice and have been making them as a sideline since 2009. But this went to a new level a couple of years ago when I was diagnosed with cervical dystonia. I struggled to sit at a computer for any length of time and so left my day job to put more attention on expanding and diversifying the jewellery business and I feel so lucky to have been able to do this. I love how it offers flexibility around other work commitments and Mum-ing, the opportunity to be more creative more often and the new connections and community that is opening up. It has been a gradual process for me, but I am excited to see where it is going. And for others too…
Thanks for sharing. I had used a mala for years in my Buddhist practice then I read a couple of books on prayer beads. The transformative process of making them that some of the authors had gone through was heartwarming. Eleanor Wiley in particular had a difficult life that she turned around with meditation and prayer and prayer bead making. I mostly make Pureland Malas as that is my Buddhist tradition but keep dabbling with other ideas.
I have had spinal arthritis since I was 17 and hypopituitarism for 6 years. Although hypopituitarism isn’t a painful condition, I’ve had to slow my life down as it totally zapps your energy and it’s a life threatening condition so I have to manage it well.
I didn’t start crafting because of my illnesses as mum taught me to knit when I was just 4 but it is something I can do that I can focus on.
Also, I lost my mum on mother’s day this year and now my knitting helps with a different kind of pain as it gives me comfort as I have many happy memories of me and mum knitting together.
Fascinating! I have checked out your shop and love your prayer beads. They’re beautiful and it’s so lovely that they have healing benefits as well X
Thank you for sharing. It sounds like you are quite a remarkable lady to have coped with such health challenges from such a young age. My cup of tea is raised to you.
I’m so sorry for your loss, but glad that you can find some solace and comfort in your beautiful knitting 
Aw thank you but I’m just me and do the best I can. I see my mum go through many challenges including having major spinal surgery at 40 and having to learn to walk again plus many other surgeries but she never let anything beat her.
Thank you for sharing. Sorry to hear of the loss of your mum but what a gift she left you with your crafting skills. My Aunt passed away with Dementia in March and she taught me to knit and sew when I was about 11. She was the only one interested in crafts and I am so thankful that she handed her skills down to me.
I have MS and do find that making is very helpful as a way to distract from the condition, I listen to library audiobooks as I work and am in another world!x
Thanks for sharing. I know what you mean about the audio books! I love listening to radio 4. So easy to get lost in a play whilst beading!
Hiya. I didn’t actually start crafting because of chronic illness but had to give up my job 6 years ago due to CFS. I too find it helps take you into another world and escape some of the pain temporarily. It is just frustrating when your symptoms are that bad and you can’t even get up and do anything.
Hi Nicola,
Thanks for sharing. I still havent managed to balance bursts of creative energy with pacing. On a good day I push myself too hard, and the next day I hit that brick walk again. It seems totally unfair that life has to be broken in to time slots with CFS when the rest of my friends and family can whizz around day after day. But like you say, in the time we are making things we can switch off from the pain.
Aww I’m sure that’s not true and you’re not doing things badly. It’s hard sometimes to struggle on and when things are quiet and sales arn’t happening it is easier to make the decision to stop doing what we love. I hope you feel better about it all soon, I know how difficult it is, would be nice if you could continue doing what you love to do xx
Have have just been listening to this programme about breathing and pain control. I do some meditation but not enough. this new research is quite interesting. You really don’t need too many minutes of breath work to reduce pain. Just One Thing - with Michael Mosley - Take A Breath - BBC Sounds
Catherine, I’m in the same boat - wondering if it’s wise to keep going when I can’t compete on price and I too don’t know if what I’m doing is even wanted. I would love to find that one thing I can excel in - and that it happens to be something people want. I think a count-my-blessings session is in order 
x x x
I agree. I did actually make a sale last week, which was an unexpected delight! I think I’ll just have to see how things pan out for a bit longer. Best wishes.
happy dancing done I hope. I’m keeping on too - what else can we do eh? x x x x x
Hi everyone,
Oh yes… I’ve been suffering pain from my back and joints since 2007, I have osteoarthritis in my hips and I’m now undergoing tests with neurology for nerve pain. They are thinking fibromyalgia, but they’re not in a huge rush to find out 
I started sewing again just after my son was born in 2012 and within 6 months I had a sewing business. I went full time with it in 2017 and yes focusing on my creating helps me deal with pain. I do have to watch not to do too much or I suffer for it and I’m bad for pushing myself too much!
Caroline x
I’m the same, but it doesn’t stop me either!
Thanks for sharing. Glad to hear your crafting really helps you.
Sorry to hear a lot of people have chronic pain. I hope things have got better or at least settled for you all.
Pain is hard to understand for those not in pain it’s subjective. If there is anything you think would make a difference to someone we know in pain that can’t be see. Please do share!