Have you ever noticed painted rocks with nice messages on your walk, hike or at the park?
The idea behind painting rocks and leaving them about in nature is for people to find them and to feel inspired or to receive a positive reminder. The person who finds a rock can either choose to take it home with them or they may move it to another spot for someone else to find.
Some artists may put their name, city or organization on the back of the rock, so that people know where it originated from.
Painting, in general, can have many mental health benefits (all backed by evidence-based research), such as relieving stress and anxiety, encouraging creativity, boosts self-esteem, self-expression, increases empathy, increases dopamine, and eases the burden of chronic conditions.
Rock painting can touch many people, it is beneficial to mental health, and if you have children, it can be a fun project.
[Art therapy and art therapist directories at the end of the article]
Lovely reminders seen at the Zelienople Community Park
🌼 Everything can change in just one day.
🌼 Love
🌼 Life is short, live it.
🌼 Nothing is worth it if you aren’t happy.
🌼 Hope
At Oil Creek 100
A lady and a few other volunteers have a rock painting tradition at an ultramarathon called Oil Creek 100. They decorate well over 100 of them and place them on the course in what is known as Section 3. Rocks can be found on the ground, resting on logs and larger rocks, and even in shorter trees.
The first time that runners enter section 3 during the race, they are welcomed by the rocks, which brightens up the trail and their spirits. It is a good time to slow down and become present.
Runners find the rock that speaks to them and they carry it with them for the rest of the race. There is also a rock that instructs you to “Take this to Tom.” Tom Jennings is the race director. It’s fun to see if the runner who finds that special rock can return it to him.
Art therapy
Have you ever considered art therapy to work on your mental health? That is, working with an art therapist. Art therapy can help treat depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, some phobias, and emotion regulation.
Here is an art therapist directory to help you with your search.
Inspiration and positivity
“Make It Happen” – Inspiration for Taking Action
Live Now and Lift Your Spirits with “High Hopes”
Toxic Positivity and What You Can Do about It
The Best Positive Affirmation?
Free Positive Thoughts, Take One! (Free download!)
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