Weaving a Dream

We all know personal dreams can grow and change over time. They are the way we learn to explore and accept what is in our real hearts, that we keep private for fear of failure or discouragement.

My first trip to Salt Spring Island is an example of this. I had seen an article about Saori weaving in an old issue of Hand Woven. I was just beginning to learn to weave at the time. It really spoke to me in ways that traditional weaving did not. I loved the idea of free form weaving in the moment, without rules or conditions.

I loved going to Salt Spring island and learning about Saori from Terri Bibby. This was a turning point for me, and I had a spirit dream the night before I left Salt Spring. My dream indicated the need to follow the call to a creative life, or risk killing a newly grown part of my spirit. But, I was afraid. Afraid of not being good enough. So, I did something else that didn't seem so unachievable for me.

That something else was Susan Barrett Merrill's, 'Weaving a Life.' I'd found her book nestled amongst Terri's wonderful collection of weaving books. It intrigued me. Because I felt somewhat disheartened about my inability to become a Saori weaver right away, I thought I'd give it a try while I sorted things out.

'Weaving a Life' was a wonderful experience for me! I grew in unexpected ways. Over time, I learned to be kinder to myself and more forgiving of others. Susan's teachings continue to be a strong foundation for where I am in my life right now. 

I still love Saori, and more importantly, weaving with a Saori philosophy. Trying not to be so afraid I will fail at something which is without failure. This is my final stretch of self acceptance and accomplishment in the artistic field. A chance to explore without fear of doing things wrong.  A chance to grow that little spirit, that begged to be nurtured during my first trip to Salt Spring not so long ago. I thought my dream was to become a Saori weaver. I discovered my calling is 'Weaving a Life.' I will live this dream. I hope you will live your dream too, whatever that may be.

Update 4/18/13
It's funny how perceptions can direct one's actions. All the while I thought I was being directed to be a Saori weaver, only to find my greatest comfort and joy in 'Weaving a Life'! I discovered a wonderful friendship and mentor in Terri Bibby, of Saori Salt Spring. She selflessly shares her skills and loves to see others grow. She is a remarkable woman. But the true treasure I was meant to find was not Saori, it was Susan's book, Zati:The Art of Weaving a Life. 

Weaving a Life as a Business Opportunity

Susan has given circle leaders a gift in WAL, in that she has given us the freedom to tailor WAL to suit a variety of personal situational needs.  Susan allows us to explore, create, and modify the basic WAL program she designed, and has created a business opportunity that she freely turns over to us to use in a way that benefits ourselves, and those we serve.

This is an exceptional gift! It's designed that way. It's about creating peace, and love within ourselves, to share with others. How we choose to use this gift is up to us.

Some leaders use WAL to serve in hospice, bringing a sense of ceremony, love, and support to those experiencing and sharing in the natural progression of life's end. 

WAL is an exceptional program to use with children, teens, and adults, to assist in the development of self esteem, and love of self and others. It brings the gift of peace when focused minds weave together in prayer. It is open to all faiths, and all people.

WAL allows us to 'share our stories' as we weave together under the guidance of a WAL leader in our local yarn shop. Keeping focus on the positive creates a strong sense of accomplishment at class end.

You as leaders, have the freedom to make your business be whatever you need it to be. For me, I am 'Weaving a Life in Paradise.' Designing classes with the help of Sara, that will meet the needs of their customers. The WAL message is not as formal, as it is tailored to the consumer. But the message is still there. The prayer is there as we symbolize our dreams and desires in an organic form, using luscious yarns, and basking in the praise of other positive minds over this little jewel we created. How good is that?

The Bowl Revisited

One of the most wonderful things about Weaving a Life, is being able to 'remake' each keyform again and again, thereby 'redefining' our spiritual selves in that moment. Creating each new keyform in prayer, with the intention of learning to love the self, that we may be fully open to God's love for us, is an important part of the process. Love, the giving and receiving of, is what makes us fully human. 

              

I think of this as I make my own new sacred bowl, in a spiritual space that is far from where I originally began when I started my 'Weaving a Life' journey. I am creating a beautiful 'sea' bowl for my orca totem. The colors and textures of the yarn and beads are a joy to look at and touch, and I can see my little orca being happy there.

  

Consider the keyforms as a means to evolve and grow in your spirit self, and that where you are now, is not where you will be at a later time. Revisit each keyform as you need to. Each teaches a different lesson that opens more fully to us over time. 

 Weave your life in Spirit! 

Seven Sisters Dreaming

I have a wonderful friend Francesca, who has such wisdom about her that those who enter her company leave it feeling blessed. This is a gift few people have, but her influence is profound and I am truly grateful for the changes I experience as a gift of her friendship. My friend will soon celebrate a birthday milestone and I am working on a special gift for her. In addition, I would like your prayers and intentions to flow her way so she may realize her own long held dream of owning, and operating a spiritual center and retreat. Please pray for the success of 'Seven Sisters Dreaming' for my beautiful friend, Francesca, on Spirit Mountain.

Weaving a Life and Saori

'Saori' and 'Weaving a Life' philosophies are very similar. There are no specific series of objects to weave in 'Saori', but the basic premise is the same: that weaving can be a metaphor for peace (inner, family, community, and world), and that every one of us embodies a spirit of dignity and self worth. Saori 'peace' banners are made, often in community, using a wonderful Saori travel loom. One single banner may have many, many,  contributors in it's creation, signifying the hearts and prayers of the community that created it. 'Saori', like 'Weaving a Life,' also stresses that there is beauty in the act of creation, that 'mistakes' are opportunities to see things (and people) in a positive and life affirming manner. I am constantly learning to apply the 'Saori' philosophy along with my 'Weaving a Life' practice to much that I do: knitting, spinning, and weaving, as well as my work with children. I ponder my 'mistakes' as a message to slow down, be less critical, and examine with choice, the beauty that is there before me. 

Weaving Circles

Weaving Circles are small groups, led by a circle leader, who come together in purpose, through the act of weaving small, sacred objects. 
These 7 objects mirror human development, and are created with thought and care. In essence, we are recreating our inner selves through the act of 'sacred weaving.'

Circles are kept small to facilitate sharing and intimacy. The emotional environment is positive and supportive.

Once a weaving circle has been formed, members meet monthly. Typically this course is a semester long to complete the first 6 keyforms.

The majority of keyforms may be completed in one 2-3 hour session. Others, like the mask, may need 2 or more sessions to complete.

The shawl is a significant project that requires it's own semester to complete.

Our first circle will start in March at Paradise Fibers. This is a class for adults. 
An adolescent group is in the planning stages for mature girls ages 13-18. The focus will be positive thinking and self esteem.

Weaving a Life in Paradise!

'Weaving a Life' weaving circles will soon be starting at Paradise Fibers in Spokane.
My name is Diana Taylor and I am a certified 'Weaving a Life' coach.
My goal is to help you to create beautiful, sacred objects, in a positive and supportive setting, using the 7 keyforms of 'Weaving a Life' as created by Susan Barrett Merrill.
Our first class, the amulet, we are asking for help in some area of our lives that needs change in order for us to grow in a positive way.
An example of this could be: I call into my life, a sense of calm and peace within.
Please join us for 'Weaving a Life in Paradise,' and be thinking about what you want to call into your life.