I have rocks in my head. They are on my mind because I just did a rock painting demo for one of my support groups. It’s amazing that I actually volunteered to teach rock painting because I am not very good at it. Although I usually love artsy-craftsy projects, painting rocks is not one of my favorites; but it’s growing on me. My friend Bobbi taught me how to do the delicate dotting technique that many people use to paint rocks. She is a master at it. Her rocks glow with color and texture, mine not so much. What I do appreciate is the process. When I am not in a state of frustration over the fact that my rocks don’t begin to approach the beauty of Bobbi’s rocks, the dotting technique can be meditative and centering. It is good for me to practice getting out of the self-critical voice in my head that tells me I’m not very good at this, and just go with the flow of slowly placing little dots of color on a rock. Eventually something magical happens and I am actually enjoying it. That’s what I really wanted to pass on to my support group, the healing power of immersing yourself in something creative. I inherited a love of rocks from my parents. It’s in my DNA. We spent many hours as a family walking along the shore of Lake Superior, or rummaging through gravel pits, with our eyes on the ground, looking for agates. Finding them was like discovering buried treasure. Mom and Dad were what is known as Rock Hounds. They collected rocks, some that they found and some that they bought. Dad, in particular, knew a lot about rocks. He had special equipment for polishing rocks and cutting them into shapes that could be used to make jewelry. Mom just liked to glue random rocks onto wooden wishing wells, that Dad made, to sell at craft shows. I can see myself in both of them. It has occurred to me that Mom and Dad immersed themselves in rocks in the same way that I do when I am lost in any crafty project. When I was younger, I didn’t realize the extent to which they passed on the joy of doing something creative. For some reason I only saw that they liked rocks. Now I understand how important that process is. It allows me to of let go of negative thoughts and struggles and find peace. The rest of the world just falls away. I know many people find healing in rock crystals, or having hot rocks arranged on their back at a spa, but for me the real healing power of rocks is in the freedom they bring to my mind and heart, as I step away from fear and anxiety, and do something creative.
1 Comment
Susan Bassano
9/16/2022 02:53:08 pm
Leslie you are an inspiring gifted artist and writer!
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Leslie Masona woman in search of her post-retirement future Guess what! By subscribing, you get notices about the latest Little Old Lady with Cats posts sent to your mailbox!
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