From the Healing with Horses retreat
At our October retreat, one of the women brought diamond art coasters. It is paint by number, with tiny gems instead of paint. We spent an afternoon around the coffee table making them, and the whole room got quiet.
Grief can be so big that sitting still with it feels impossible. A simple task you repeat with your hands gives your nervous system something steady to follow. Pick up a gem, press it on its number, then the next one. Your breathing slows, your shoulders drop, and your mind gets a small break.
It also makes it easier to be with other people. At the retreat, women talked while they worked. Some cried. Nobody had to look anyone in the eye or find the right words. Their hands were busy, and that was enough.
You do not need to be crafty, and it does not have to be perfect. It counts if you only do three gems tonight.
The set we made at the retreat. A good one for anyone who loves horses.
See it on Amazon →Keeps every color of gem sorted, so nothing spills and you can find the next number fast. It is so cool.
See it on Amazon →These are affiliate links. If you buy through them, you support this work at no extra cost to you. More of what I use is on Tools I Love.
The coasters are one tool. My free 101 Distress Tolerance Tips is the whole list I give clients for the hard moments, sorted so you can find one that fits. Leave your name and email and I will send you the printable.