I believe working with the hands is very good for us..gardening, sewing, building models..whatever you like.
Ironing is generally despised since women usually had such a burden with that on top of working outside the home.
And now, even if you have the time, it’s seen as a trivial task.I discovered ironing therapy when the bombs killed and injured hundreds of people in the Underground in July 2005.I saw the bus blow up on a TV in a shop window in the town centre and as my husband was in London I was very worried.
My husband was ok but even so, I was distracted and distressed in a way very familiar, I am sure,to people who live in certain parts of this world.
In the end, I took out all my numerous nightdresses and ironed each one very carefully.I have used this technique a number of times since.I find it’s best used on simple items= like hankies, underpants, nightwear so your mind can relax.Ironing men’s heavy cord trousers is definitely untherapeutic.
I think it can act like meditation in a way.And restoring a little order to chaos is usually helpful.
And it’s free too unlike counselling.Simple sewing can also be therapeutic as can cooking and gardening.
I recall in the 1970’s when I used to make bread a female friend of my husband told me off and said I was “letting feminists down”
So please, if you think I’m letting feminists down …don’t tell me.
I think we should have some freedom and also should value traditional female skills and talents as well as encouraging women to study or train for careers formerly closed to them.
Please excuse me now………I’m ironing 23 pairs of ladies’ undergarments this morning..yes,they are all mine.They say, there’s safety in numbers, though I’ve never known quite what that meant.I suppose wearing a lot of underpants would keep one warm and well covered in case you get into an accident or you have to climb a ladder in a public place..are you a lady window cleaner?
So I’ll put on my apron and begin to work.Ironing my hair today…..hot work.
How my heart sings 