We held our first online meeting. A recording of the meeting is posted to our private Facebook page, members can check it out there. Here’s the President’s message and the slides from Kelly’s presentation on creativity.
President’s Message
Like many of you, I have just completed my 7th week of physical distancing. We, unfortunately, still don’t know how long this this will last, As our member, Sam, commented on a photo I posted last night on Instagram regarding our meeting last night – “So fun! Definitely nice to have a little normalcy in our not so normal time”. But I know we are stronger than we think – we can take charge of our lives right now. No need to wait until things come back to normal. And last night was a great start to establishing some normal!
Thank you to those members that joined us for our first virtual meeting! It was a lot of fun to see everyone and chatted about what each of you have been doing.
I opened the meeting talking about Quilting ourselves to a healthier lifestyle. I thought I would share what I said, for you to take in and think about how quilting has benefited your life. Enjoy!
Everyone has had their own path when it comes to quilting. Some of us learn from family and friends and others just found our way to it. Regardless of how we got into quilting, the skills we have learned have more benefits than we may realize.
There is an estimate of somewhere between 7 – 10 million quilters in the US. We already know how quilting can have positive impact on our lives. But studies have shown quilting can have not only a healing effect on the mind but the art of quilting may help restore or maintain our health.
There are many aspects to quilting that have been uncovered:
· Productive use of time
· Engaging in Creativity
· Colors are psychologically uplifting
· Quilting is challenging, demands concentration.
· We experience a flow or meditative state while quilting
· The affirmation from others boosted our self-esteem
· Finding a purpose which helps extend our life
· Effective way to combat depression
· And, quilts are often given altruistically which gives quilting an added purpose.
Not only does quilting have cognitive and emotional aspects, but it has long since been a social activity.
· Where strong social network are formed and fostered
· Long term friendships are created and nurtured
· Overcome the loneliness we may experience
· Many of us participate in Quilting Bees, Retreats, Conventions, Classes, Online groups and, of course, our guild.
And being a part of our Guild is the Best Social Club! It’s our community! We have many titles – whether we consider ourselves creators, quilters, quilt top makers or artists, it’s hard to argue the benefits that quilting brings into our lives.
I hope that last night we provided an opportunity for you to continue to stay healthy while staying at home and provided a little bit of normal.
Happy Quilting, Lisa Handley
Orange County Modern Quilt Guild 