Stacking stones and good intentions

Balancing stones, much like yoga, can help the mind become focused and quiet; it’s a meditative practice that brings us fully to the present moment.

Stacking stones has become something of a universal spiritual practice in itself. I’ve been privileged to personally witness these impermanent man-made symbols of hope, peace and friendship transcending our borders, from Hawaii, to the Grand Canyon, Aruba, the Azores and beyond.

In fact, stone stacking has been utilised in marking trails, worship, grave markings, and many other ways, as we humans have made our way through history.

They have become spiritual symbols that remind us of those who came before us and assure us that we’re on the right path — a path of good intentions.

The art of building and balancing stones as a practice can also help us to ease the busy ‘monkey mind’ and literally and physically ground us back to Mother Earth.

Stone stacks are built using unaltered stones, requiring one’s full attention on the present task. Singular focus is needed to find the perfect connection of the stone’s centre of gravity to its foundation in order to balance the next layer.

While modern-day people no longer stack stones to mark graves we do find a meditative peace in the practice.

I was told many years ago, to infuse each stone with an intention or prayer, and that once the stones naturally tumble, through whatever means, your prayers and intentions are released to the universe and the process is done.

Look out for stone stacks as you wander through parks, trails and even life itself.

Maybe some time to connect with nature in this way, through a quiet walk and a stack of prayers and some good intentions, would help us all find a little inner peace.