We have all heard about taking time to “smell the roses.” But now more than ever before, it seems that the collective stress level has skyrocketed, and there’s not much “rose smelling.” Maybe it’s time to turn some attention and creative energy to some simple things we can genuinely experience to find stress relief. Perhaps it’s time to paint rocks.
This excerpt from the American Psychological Association confirms what I have suspected. Despite an overall positive outlook beyond the COVID-19 Pandemic, stress struggles remain.
“However, behind this professed optimism about the future, day-to-day struggles are overwhelming many. Prolonged effects of stress and unhealthy behavior changes are common. Daily tasks and decision-making have become more difficult during the Pandemic, particularly for younger adults and parents. As each day can bring a new set of decisions about safety, security, growth, travel, work, and other life requirements, people in the United States seem to be increasingly wracked with uncertainty.”
Recently, I got away from the noise of news, the demands of digital, and the uncertainty of what’s to come. I took a hike on the Delaware River canal path and found myself walking at the river’s edge. The river’s power, nature’s beauty, and the sun’s warmth were refreshing and reviving. I pocketed a few river stones that I found interesting.
When I got home, I decided to paint the rocks. With old acrylics and brushes, I put my mind’s imagery from the walk by the river onto the small stone canvases. … Sunshine, flowers, animals. Getting outside and affirming the positive vibes through hands-on creativity was cathartic.
As we face uncertainty, let’s look outside and within and find the beauty and peace we’re longing for. Take some time to paint the rocks.