Spin for Peace- All Fiber Arts

Spin for Peace

"The spinning wheel is a symbol of non-violence for me."
M. Gandhi

Today on World Peace day, several strategic locations in the U.S. were attacked by terrorists. As I listen to the news unfolding, I wonder why this tragedy has occurred. By striking the World Trade Center, I wonder what kind of message this is sending to us all. These attacks seem to have been aimed at the economic structure of our society. If these terrorists truly wanted to change society and make the world a better place and improve the positions of their country, why did they choose this senseless destruction and tragic loss of life? Isn't it better to be proactive and find peaceful solutions to the world's economic and cultural problems? This is a sad day for us all.

Today I am reminded of Mahatma Gandhi, his spinning and his non-violent political activism. Gandhi attempted to start local industry and sustainable development in his country. He advocated having industry at the local community level. To Mahatma Gandhi, spinning was a way for the Indian people to achieve self-reliance and independence.

"1. it is easily learnt;
2. it requires practically no outlay of capital;
3. the wheels can be easily and cheaply made. Most of us do not yet know that spinning can be done even with a piece of tile and splinter;
4. it alone can stop the drain of wealth which goes outside India in the purchase of foreign cloth;
5. it automatically distributes the millions thus saved among the deserving poor;
6. it is the most potent instrument of securing cooperation among the people.

(Young India, December, 8, 1921)

Rural Economics
Gandhi worked with village industries and the All-India Spinners Association. Rather than relying on expensive imports of food and clothing from Britain and oversees, gaps in economic standards could be lessened by buying local products, produced by the small local manufacturers. In many cultures, spinning and weaving are not just crafts and hobbies, but are an essential part of daily life. The spinning wheel and the loom are a major key to helping the communities to become self-sufficient.

Not only is spinning productive, the process of handspinning is meditative and gives the spinner time to think. "Letter, May 6, 1947

[Mr. Freeman, a journalist, was in Delhi in 1946 and attended spinning classes started by Gandhiji. In an interview with Gandhiji at that time, he said: "I propose to interpret the charkha to Americans as a `thinking machine'. I found while I was attending my spinning class that if I was alone with it, it made me think.
If only Americans could get down to spin, they might be able to do some thinking for which otherwise they get no time. It might make them forget the atom bomb."

Valmiki Mandir, Reading Road, New Delhi, May 6, 1947.

Wouldn't the world be a better place if we followed his example, and spun a bit of wool each day? Took a bit of time to reflect on the goodness of life, and the beauty around us? Gave back to our communities by shopping locally and by supporting our artisans and producers?

I hope that these resources will be of some assistance to our Weaving & Spinning community. I am in deep shock by today's terrorist events, and concerned for all those whose families and friends have been affected. My prayers are with you all.

Give Blood
With all the casualties, something positive that you can do is to give blood, if you can.

USA
US Red Cross
Contact your local Red Cross or call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543.
Canada
Canadian Blood Services
Call 1-888-2-DONATE (1-800-236-5283) for information about donating blood or plasma.
Soci�t� Canadienne du Sang
Pour de plus amples renseignements sur le don de sang ou de plasma, composez le 1 866 JE DONNE (1-866-533-6663)

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