It is really hard some days to remember that a little tension can be A Good Thing, in life as in weaving.
Tension or stress is most often portrayed as being bad. But there are times when a little tension actually helps.
A few examples…
When dealing with a loose thread, a little tension will keep it co-operative and much less prone to tangling.
During weaving, the right amount of tension on the warp will keep the threads straight and true. Sheds will open cleanly and consistent tension will make beating in the weft easier.
The right amount of tension on the weft will help make good selvedges.
Firm tension on the warp during beaming will mean easier weaving as does firm tension winding weft packages.
In terms of teaching a little tension helps me stay focussed on the topic and the information I want to convey.
Doing anything new can create stress/tension because it can be scary to try something never attempted before. When I decide to do something different, I try to concentrate on what I mean to accomplish. When the Inner Critic points outs ways it could all go terribly wrong, I think through consequences and try to formulate solutions. I try very hard to not let the Voices of Fear clamour unchallenged in my head.
If we never confront those fears and work at overcoming them, accepting the stress and tension involved in the exercise, we will only do the known, stay in the safe. Which is fine, but limiting in terms of personal development, I think.
So as scary and stressful as some things may be, there are times when forging ahead in spite of the challenge is, truly, A Good Thing.