Why I love working with sand and objects or crystals ... Sandplay

Letting the sand run down and through your fingers ... do you remember the feeling of creating in the sand on a beach? And feeling the sense of wonder or magic?

A magical story unfolds

That feeling can be recreated with sand in a tray or bowl. I believe that an object or crystal chooses a person - a person is drawn to them. Then the magical story unfolds. This to me is the shamanic gently weaving through a person's story in order to illuminate with insight or to effect healing.

Spirit world

I have been drawn to the spirit world all my life ... I remember as a child 'seeing' the spiritual world in the garden and communing naturally with the elements. As I had a strict religious upbringing this was frowned upon and I eventually hid it from others and from myself. But unconsciously I would find myself drawn to trees, rocks and certain settings in nature where I felt at home, or that there was some unseen communication with me. I was also drawn to flower essences and their healing qualities. Even my drawings and paintings were surreal and had spiritual qualities. Fast forward the decades until I became very ill in my fifties and spent years working with transpersonal therapies in order to heal from the inside out. Finding out that what I naturally experienced was something that others did too, was a revelation.

Connecting with God After some years I eventually came to a place where I was able to return to allowing myself a full connection with God that I had experienced in my innocence up to the age 3 years. I see everything from a spiritual basis. It is who I am naturally. I had a client who a few years ago said, 'you seem to live your life like a prayer'. She meant it as a compliment.

Sandplay Therapy - pictures in the sand

One of my certifications is in Sandplay Therapy, and I used it as a tool for many years with clients - both with children and with adult women. There is such a magical and spiritual connection of wonder when sand is used with objects and crystals. My original teacher of Sandplay Therapy said to her students that we would all find our own niche, and find special ways of using the techniques. My own method developed naturally to always include the spiritual - and natural shamanic journeying which assists my clients to access their own insight, memories and spiritual connections more easily.

Personal insight

For myself, when I have difficulties with insight I create a picture in the sand for myself. Then I journal and pray upon it, and answers and insight comes.

Important

Remember that the objects are what they mean to that person - not the observer, nor the parent or anyone else. Each person's experience is unique. Do not try to interpret someone else's experience.

At home

You can use a bowl or tray of sand at home and use it as a 'Zen' calming space. Connect reverently with whatever feels called to be placed in the bowl or tray. Feel into what it means to you, (not to anyone else). You can clear it in a day or two and start another one if you wish.

If a child uses it, let them share their 'picture in the sand' and let them draw it as well. It helps their subconscious make sense of anything that they do not have words for. Again, do not try to interpret a child's picture in the sand. Always let them tell the story. This is a simple tool you can use at home to help communicate with, or to understand your child - especially if something is worrying them. In Therapy Sessions

My training and experience means that I use Sandplay with Clients whenever suitable or called for. With adult women, the process can take us very deeply into the world of spirit where you can tap into your unconscious and find the answers that you seek. A wondrous experience.

Blessings, Karen

Words and photos copyright Karen Curran