Chalk Writing & Wash Away
Materials Needed:
To Support Feeling:
Jealous
How to Do It
Write or draw your jealous thoughts on a sidewalk or driveway using chalk. Once you’ve finished, use a hose or a bucket of water to wash the chalk away, watching as the words or images disappear. As you do this, visualize the jealousy being washed away along with the chalk, leaving a clean, clear surface.
Why It Works
Writing with chalk and then washing it away provides a satisfying, symbolic way to erase the negative thoughts associated with jealousy. The act of cleaning the surface creates a sense of renewal and emotional cleansing.
Guided Practice
Sit comfortably with a piece of chalk and a chalkboard or a sidewalk. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths, feeling the chalk in your hand. Notice any sensations in your fingers or palms—perhaps a dryness or a roughness.
Think of a recent experience where you felt jealousy or envy. Allow this feeling to come into your awareness, noticing how it feels in your body—perhaps a tightness in your chest, a heaviness in your stomach, or a tension in your throat. Use the chalk to write down words, phrases, or images that represent this feeling of jealousy. Let your hand move freely, expressing whatever comes to mind without censorship. Notice the physical sensation of the chalk on the surface, perhaps feeling a release as you write. As you fill the board with these expressions, allow yourself to fully experience the emotion, staying present with whatever arises. You might notice familiar patterns or thoughts, or perhaps a belief about yourself or others surfaces. Once you’ve finished, take a step back and look at what you’ve created. Now, imagine a gentle rain beginning to fall, washing away the chalk. Visualize the water dissolving the words and images, carrying them away with it. Notice how this feels—perhaps there is a sense of release, lightness, or maybe a realization about the impermanence of emotions. Allow yourself to explore these sensations fully. When the chalk is completely washed away, take a few more deep breaths, noticing how your body feels now. Perhaps there is a sense of clarity, calm, or maybe a new understanding of your feelings. Allow yourself to stay with this experience for a few more moments, enjoying the sense of renewal. When you are ready, gently open your eyes, carrying this sense of release and insight with you into your day.