People stack rocks for many different reasons, and not all of them are spiritual.

Historically, stacked stones, often called cairns, have been used in practical ways:

• To mark trails or routes in open landscapes

• To signal direction or safe passage

• To mark burial sites or memorials in some cultures

In more recent times, people also stack rocks for personal reasons:

• As a creative act

• As a way to focus attention and patience

• Simply because the physical challenge of balancing stones is engaging

For many, the act of stacking rocks becomes a quiet moment of concentration, a small pause in the day that requires care, adjustment, and working with what’s in front of you.

At Humanergy, a simple stack of rocks has taken on its own quiet meaning.

This humble pile of stones has been created (and re-created) at Humanergy’s back door. Although I created it initially, it is not uncommon to find people adding to the stack or re-building it after a strong wind or curious squirrel took its toll.

Rock stacking has its origins in many cultural and spiritual practices – a Buddhist tradition of devotion and prayer, for one. Ancient cultures around the world have stacked rocks into cairns to mark a path, create a memorial or as a focus point for rituals.

Why do we stack rocks here at Humanergy? I haven’t taken a poll, but I think it has something to do with keeping perspective. Our tower of rocks is both beautiful and impermanent. It may fall one day, and we’ll rebuild, just like we’ve overcome the “slings and arrows” that come from time to time.

The best part of our rock stack is that it is a spontaneous, unstructured team creation. No one said, “Let’s build a tower of rocks.” It just happened.

Impromptu, unfettered creation is powerful. I sometimes wonder if we keep too tight a reign through plans and structures, so that people aren’t able to stretch and explore wild ideas. What could be accomplished if we gave people the time and freedom to get off the beaten path?

If you’ve ever found yourself stacking stones, you might reflect on:

• What drew you to the activity

• What you were thinking about at the time

• What felt steady, and what felt uncertain

Sometimes simple actions tell us more than we expect

Need to tap your people’s creative spirit? Contact Humanergy.

Photo by Christi Barrett