Cornell Green of the Erie Time-News (Erie, PA) wrote an interesting article on how various people unplug from the stresses of life. (You can read Cornell's article here.) Three adults taking pottery classes at a local pottery studio were interviewed and spoke about how clay soothed their stresses.

In this hurly-burly world, creating pottery gives you time alone...just you and the clay. The clay allows you to relax, put aside the worries and frustrations of the day. A time to get away from the increasing demands on your time and attention.

I know for myself, centering clay on the wheel is analogous to giving myself time to center my Self. To get time away from the demands of cell phones, television, computer, job, and everything else. To find that quiet "voice" within.

Pottery isn't just about pretty bowls on the table. It is also about finding a place of quietude, refuge, and personal expression for yourself in your life. Are you ready to relax with pottery? Here are some articles that may help:

• Starting Out With Clay
• Where to Look for Pottery Classes
• What to Ask When Finding a Pottery Class