“Give thanks not just on Thanksgiving Day, but every day of your life. Appreciate and never take for granted all that you have.”
– Catherine Pulsifer
INTRODUCTION
In our fast-paced lives, it’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind and lose sight of the things that truly matter. It’s important to take a step back every once in a while and reflect on all the good things we have in our lives. I created the Give Thanks Chinese Wall Hanging crochet pattern to remind me to be grateful and appreciate what I have in life and not focus on what I don’t have.
Expressing gratitude can have a powerful impact on our mental and emotional well-being, as well as on our relationships with others. Here are a few reasons why we should strive to be thankful always:
- Gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have
When we focus on what we don’t have, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed, anxious, or unhappy. However, when we shift our attention to the things, we are grateful for, we start to see our lives in a more positive light. Practicing gratitude can help us to appreciate the things we have rather than focusing on what we lack.
- Gratitude helps us to find joy in the present moment
Often, we are so focused on our future goals or past mistakes that we forget to enjoy the present moment. When we practice gratitude, we start to see the beauty in our current situation, even if it’s not exactly what we had hoped for. By focusing on the present moment, we can find more joy and contentment in our lives.
- Gratitude improves our relationships with others
When we express gratitude towards others, we strengthen our relationships and increase feelings of social support. It can also help us to be more compassionate and understanding towards others, as we recognize the positive contributions they have made in our lives. By practicing gratitude towards others, we create a positive cycle of kindness and generosity.
- Gratitude can improve our physical health
Studies have shown that people who regularly practice gratitude may experience a range of physical health benefits, including better sleep, reduced stress levels, and improved immune function. Expressing gratitude can also help us to manage chronic pain and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
In conclusion, practicing gratitude is a simple yet powerful way to improve our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. By taking the time to reflect on all the good things in our lives, we can cultivate a sense of joy and contentment, strengthen our relationships, and improve our overall quality of life. So, let’s make gratitude a daily practice and be thankful always!
Meaning of the Chinese Character 感恩
The Chinese characters 感恩 (gǎn ēn) are a combination of two words: 感 (gǎn) meaning “feel” or “sense”, and 恩 (ēn) meaning “kindness”, “grace”, or “favor”. Together, they form the compound word “感恩” (gǎn ēn) which means “gratitude” or “thankfulness”.
The concept of gratitude has been an important part of Chinese culture for thousands of years. It is often associated with the teachings of Confucianism, which emphasize the importance of filial piety, respect for elders, and the cultivation of virtues such as kindness and gratitude.
In traditional Chinese culture, expressing gratitude was seen as a way to show respect and humility towards others, and to acknowledge the blessings and good fortune in one’s life. It was also believed to bring good karma and blessings from the heavens.
Today, the concept of gratitude remains an important part of Chinese culture and is often expressed through rituals and traditions, such as bowing to elders or ancestors during festivals, offering thanks to the gods for good fortune, and showing appreciation towards family and friends.
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PATTERN DETAILS
The Give Thanks Chinese Wall Hanging is an advanced beginner tapestry crochet pattern. The pattern guides you step by step through tapestry crochet with clear written instructions, pictures, and video tutorials.
If this is your first time coming across a tapestry crochet project, I have a series of Tapestry Crochet Tutorial that I would suggest you check out before you start this project. The tutorial provides simple patterns for you to practice as well. The type of tapestry crochet that I used for the Hope Chinese Wall Hanging is the one that I called Two-Directional Flat Tapestry Crochet.
MATERIALS NEEDED
To work on this pattern, you will need:
- Give Thanks Chinese Wall Hanging crochet pattern by Haven Crochet Designs
- Caron One Pound yarn (this is a thicker #4 worsted weight yarn; 454g/16oz, 742m/812yds per ball)
- Main Color – approx. 300 yds
- Contrast Color A – approx. 120 yds
- Contrast Color B – approx. 220 yds
- 4mm crochet hook
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
- (1) 23” wood dowel/branch
- Blocking mat, pins, spray bottle with water
DIMENSSIONS
The finished project measures approximately 15.75” (w) x 34.50” (h).
COPYRIGHT
This pattern and associated images are copyright protected and the sole property of Haven Crochet Designs. The pattern is for personal use only and may not be redistributed, transferred, or sold. Please do not alter the pattern in order to claim it as your own. Items produced from my patterns may be sold at your discretion. However, I kindly ask that you credit me as the designer and provide a link back to my site www.havencrohetdesigns.com, or provide my social media handle @havencrochetdesigns. For more details, see Terms and Conditions.
