healing rockshealing stones

Healing Stones Project Idea: Little things, like stones and a couple of Sharpie markers, can make a big difference.

Many years ago when I was working working as an assistant creative director at Penn State,  we were suffering through a really depressing winter.  Too much work, not enough sun–sound familiar?

We were also struggling to come to terms with a coworker’s serious illness. People were sad, rude, and NOT optimistic.

One of our designers, Stacy, decided that we needed something to raise our spirits. She brought in a bowl with beautiful smooth rocks and asked people to write what they needed on them. She didn’t worry that people would laugh at her. She didn’t whine that there was no money in the budget for rocks. She didn’t worry that she wasn’t in charge. She just wanted to make things better.

Her small effort shifted everyone’s mood. People bonded over the rocks. They wrote things like “no more rushes,” “melting snow,” “respect,” and “hugs.” Even people who weren’t “touchy feely” participated.

Some people put their rocks back in the community bowl; others took them away for personal inspiration. I have one on my desk right now. What little thing made a big difference in your day?