The Art of Slowing Down

Why Bookbinding Might Be the Most Zen Skill You’ll Ever Learn

In this age of AI, virtual gaming, and endless content available via lightning speed electronic devices, why are we so stressed? In a world that moves faster every day, many of us are searching for ways to slow down and feel more connected to the present moment.

The remedy might be simpler than we think: unplug, slow down, and return to the mindful satisfaction of making something real. When we work and create with our hands, we are transported to a place of greater mindfulness and creativity. Health experts agree, citing observed benefits to mind and body that come with working with our hands. Studies have shown that when we engage our hands in activities designed to produce or create in some way, we not only reduce anxiety and depression, but experience cognitive benefits as well, including improved memory and attention.

And there is perhaps no more engaging and immersive activity than working with books. Bookbinding is a centuries-old craft that takes great concentration and attention to detail. It is also a very tactile experience— imagine bringing an old volume back to life by skillfully repairing and reassembling its pages, carefully choosing your binding and cover materials, creating beautiful endpapers and binding design elements, and finally putting together the finished product. Bookbinding, by its nature, requires you to slow down, pay attention, and engage your creative side. And because you are working with the printed word (or creating your own blank canvas to write in), you’re transported back to a time when we slowed down and savored holding a beautiful volume and enjoying an immersive reading experience.

Our Book Arts community education courses offer the perfect opportunity to experience the Zen of this ancient craft.

• Love getting lost in the flow state? Consider one of our beginner or advanced Paper Marbling classes, where you’ll spend hours immersed in the art of creating beautiful patterns.
• Perhaps you have old family volumes and want to learn more about paper conservation. Consider our Introduction to Paper Conservation or Introduction to Book Conservation two-day courses.
• Have an interest in the beauty and craft of old bindings? Historic Sewing Structures, 18th Century Trade Binding, or Medieval Long & Link Stitch Binding may be just the learning experience for you.
• Or, if you want to learn more about Bookbinding in general, Bookbinding 101 or Fundamentals of Bookbinding I are the perfect gateways to exploring different bookbinding techniques and book structures.

Want to know more? View our calendar of upcoming Community Education courses in Book Arts and sign up for a class today!

Bookbinding is just one path to a more mindful lifestyle, one where you engage your mind and heart into hands-on activities that feed your soul. For more information on our full calendar of classes, check out our Community Education page.