Pattern Interrupt

You know when you’re in your car driving home and sometimes you don’t really know how you got there because you have driven that route hundred and thousands of times before and you are on autopilot. You missed the new buildings that are going up, the songs that played on the radio, the trees on the side of the road that started changing colors or growing new leaves.

The same applies to daily life. Sometimes we just operate life on autopilot. Thoughts are on autopilot, physical routines and work are on autopilot. The rhythm of the day is on autopilot. And it actually takes practice to get yourself out of it. To start noticing things. To consciously observe and participate. To enjoy the little things along the way instead of just wanting to get through. 

Sometimes we all need a little reminder. Something to yank us out of the autopilot routine. And most likely we need the reminder a lot until it becomes a little more natural and it becomes easier to catch ourselves.

It’s like when you’re driving home on autopilot and don’t really recall how you got there.

I like to think of pottery as one of the tools that can be a reminder. Reminders can come in many forms and shapes - sound, touch, visuals, audio. And pottery is one of the ways. A tool that can pull you out of your routine for a moment. Because maybe something in it is unexpected and stands out. Because maybe we assign meaning to an everyday object and every time we use it, now it’s coupled with a deeper meaning. 

The reason I am calling this endeavor here HANDWERK JOY is that Handwerk is a German word that really describes craftsmanship. It implies that it requires practice and work. Failing, growing, learning. And most likely some teachings and help along the way.

It really means that we are on a journey to learn and become experts in being joyful. That’s something I truly wish for everyone of us here in this community. 

Much love,

Yoori