Sand Writing and Erase
Materials Needed:
To Support Feeling:
Irritated
How to Do It
Find a sandbox, beach, or a tray of sand. Use your finger or a stick to write or draw symbols that represent your irritation. Focus on the act of writing, channeling your feelings into the sand. Once finished, take a deep breath and slowly smooth over the sand with your hand, erasing what you’ve written. As the sand returns to a smooth surface, imagine your irritation dissolving into the grains, becoming insignificant and untraceable.
Why It Works
Writing in sand is both a tactile and temporary action, perfect for symbolizing the impermanence of irritation. The act of erasing the writing in sand reinforces the idea of letting go and moving past negative feelings.
Guided Practice
Find a tray of sand or dirt, and sit comfortably in front of it. Take a few deep breaths, before touching the sand, notice any sensations in your hands or fingers.
Taking a deep breath, feeling the air fill your lungs, and exhaling slowly. Go ahead and touch the sand. Notice the texture of the sand beneath your fingers as you touch it for the first time, the coolness, and the fine grains. Start to gently draw a word or symbol in the sand that represents something you wish to release or transform. As you write, pay attention to the sensation of your fingers moving through the sand, the resistance and flow of the grains. Feel the texture shifting under your touch, the way it changes with each stroke. Stay present with what you are writing, noticing any feelings or thoughts that arise without judgment. Once you have finished writing, take a moment to look at what you’ve created. Then, slowly begin to erase the word or symbol, smoothing the sand back into a blank surface. Feel the motion of your hand as it moves over the sand, the soft resistance of the grains, and the way they settle back into place. Allow this act of erasing to symbolize a release, a letting go. When you have erased everything, take a deep breath and pause. Notice any shifts in your body or mind, perhaps a sense of lightness or calm. Sit quietly for a few moments, feeling the smoothness of the sand beneath your fingers. When you’re ready, gently bring your awareness back to the room around you.