Hi, and happy Earth Day! It’s been a full year since I last wrote in this space. I’ve recently had the urge to start blogging again, but after “falling off the wagon” with it for so long - I haven’t really known quite how to pick it back up again.
A lot has happened in the last year, but I don’t want that to be the focus of this post. In short, I had my first mental breakdown last summer (that involved weeks of panic attacks, hospitalizations, medications, therapy..) and has been followed by months of PTSD / flashbacks / self doubt, etc. To say I felt like I had hit the ultimate rock bottom would be an understatement. Some day, maybe I’ll write more in depth about it all - but for now I’ll leave it at that.
For me, it has been really weird to still be in the process of healing from “fresh” personal trauma while also being faced with the new (global scale) trauma of a pandemic. I’ve just been taking it day by day - and leaning into living slow — and lots of art making.
Today’s post is about the kindness rocks project / movement - which just felt right as a returning blog post topic - all things considered. You can read more about the project on their website if you’ve never heard about it before.
Their mission:
ONE MESSAGE
AT JUST THE RIGHT MOMENT
CAN CHANGE SOMEONE'S ENTIRE DAY, OUTLOOK, LIFE
I spent the better part of this past weekend painting some rocks to scatter along my local hiking trail. I stuck to simple things like hearts and smiley faces and rainbows - universal symbols of hope and joy (things we could all use a little bit more of right now).
I remember hiking a lot after I got out of the hospital last year and seeing someone else’s painted kindness rocks. It felt so serendipitous… after years of hiking these trails (my whole life) I had never seen painted rocks on them before. They seemed to be in other parts of town too - the library, the post office, outside a local art studio - they were everywhere! At the lowest point I’d ever been in my life, seeing those rocks lifted me up in ways I can’t even put into words. I tear up now just thinking about it.
One of my favorite parts about finding painted rocks is the layers of discovery — the first initial pop of color contrasting against the natural or urban landscape — followed by getting a closer look to see what the rock is / says.
After seeing the rocks on my hikes, I decided to collect some rocks of my own at the beach that summer (with intentions of painting them) - but I never did. Well, actually, I painted one — but I never put it out in public for anyone to see. I kept it for myself (and still have it), because I felt like I painted that rock for me. (see below)
This time around though, I didn’t feel like I was doing this for myself - but for others. I really do hope they brighten the day(s) of whoever sees them - especially during this particularly trying time.
I’ve gotten some questions about what kind of paint I’ve been using - and it’s nothing special - just using what I have (an assortment of craft and acrylic paint). They do make outdoor craft paint, which likely holds up better to the elements but is a little bit pricier. I have not been sealing my rocks with anything, but may look into doing that for future rocks. For lettering, I’ve been using a Sharpie paint marker (easier than a brush). If you do want to buy some new paints right now, be sure to order online or do curbside pickup!
Once the rocks are painted, scattering them is great fun, too. Seeking out the perfect spot for each rock.. it’s kinda like plotting an epic Easter egg hunt. Or like a dog searching for the peeeeeerrrrfect place to pee. 😂 I personally love placing them around the bases of big trees and near big rocks. (Stewie loves peeing on big trees and big rocks, too). If your dog pees on one of these rocks - I hope it makes you laugh extra hard, haha! 😜
You can stuff your pockets to the brim and scatter them all in one go — or you can stretch out the fun and do one or two at a time! It can be a family affair (everyone filling up their pockets) or a solo effort. If you have kids, it may even make walks feel like a game of sorts. I’ve enjoyed checking the spots I’ve placed rocks to see if they’re still there - and taking mental notes of good spots to put some on the next walk. 😅
Anyways, I hope you and yours are well and that this post brings you some joy and maybe even inspires you to paint some rocks of your own (for yourself or your community) — but if not, that is ok too. If you are struggling right now, please do reach out for support - and be kind to yourself. You are not alone! We will all get through this together. 💗