Episode 38: Rock Hounding: A Spiritual Practice of Presence with Pam and Andy of The Indigo Sanctuary
Show Notes
Tune in to learn all about rock hounding: what is , where to go, how to do it, and what kind of stones you can find. Rock hounds and spiritual artists Pam and Andy from the Indigo Sanctuary explore the spiritual side of mindfully collecting stones as a practice of presence and a way to be one with nature. It's a fun, healthy activity for individuals and families that gives you the opportunity to create memories, connect to nature and practice your ability to be in the moment.
To contact Pam and Andy go to:
or find them on Social Media:
Tik Tok: https://vm.tiktok.com/TTPdk7XwFW/
Facebook: TheIndigoSanctuary
Instagram: @theindigosanctuary
Youtube: https://youtu.be/29YAkVB1ddg
Their beautiful, responsibly sourced and love-filled creations can be found at:
Etsy store: www.etsy.com/shop/theindigosanctuary
Extended Show Notes
Highlights from the Episode:
What is rock hounding?
-Collecting rocks
-It is open to everyone- there are many levels of experience
-Finding rocks and gems in nature provides a sense of awe of the universe.
-Stones have pure energy because you’re collecting them in a respectful way.
Where to go rock hounding?
-Go on Facebook for rockhounding groups in your state. They will tell you where to go and what types of stones you will find there.
-Search engines: search rock hounding in a specific location for local places.
-You want to choose a place that you will find something rewarding (a specific stone you are interested in).
- It’s nice to do rock hounding in creeks because it’s relaxing to play in water
-Options: paid mines, private claims for what you need permission.
What to bring
1. A spray bottle with water.
2. A backpack for tools to carry what you find.
3. Chisel
4. Hammer
5. Screwdriver
6. Garden trail with three prongs
7. Protective eyewear for when you’re hammering
In the US the gemstones you can find contain a lot of diversity. For example:
Arizona- black obsidian
Utah -black and brown obsidian
Rhode Island -moonstone
Lake Superior- agates
Lake Michigan- fossilized coral
The southwest has agates and Picasso marble
Virginia has amethyst
What to do once you collect the stones/uses
1. Wash the rock with soap and brush it to clean it.
2. You can put it by window to catch the light coming through depending on the type of stone.
3. Create a display with a piece of wood - display with intention
4. There’s a Japanese art of stone setting and gazing
5. Meditate with the stone
You can keep the stone in your hand on your lap or next to you. Set an intention or affirmation with a stone to put more positive energy into the experience. Choose the stone based on thinking about what color you need. Color relates to emotion/energy. You can also think about the chakra system. Go with your instinct as to which stone to use. If you’re using your stone for meditating make sure to sage your stone and clear the energy or put it in the sunlight to clear it.
6. Rock tumbling (specific details on how to do rock tumbling is in the podcast)
Lortone brand rock tumbler works well.
Energy
-Some sites are very strong energies that we each feel differently.
-The gem has the energy of the place it’s found. So the energy of stones is different depending on where it came from even if it’s the same type of stone.
-Finding stones yourself adds to your connection to the stone.
-When rock hounding you feel you are nature -a union with nature- a very spiritual experience.
-Let go be mindful while collecting. This can help you be in the moment - a practice of presence, acceptance and patience
Animal spirit guides may show up to guide you….. Be aware…
Resources:
Books:
1. A Falcon Guide to Rock Hounding. It’s a series by state. It tells you the GPS coordinates and if you need any special equipment.
2. Gem Trails. Another series done by state
Sparks of Wisdom from Pam and Andy
1. Rock hounding is fun. It’s a great family activity.
2. Be open to whatever experience happens Dash you’ll be richer for it.
Rock hounding creates memories with the rocks as the reminder of the special moments you experienced and/ or shared with others.
Pam and Andy's Bios
Pam and Andy are Spiritual Artists, Rockhounds, Sound Healers and Entrepreneurs and are the creators of The Indigo Sanctuary, an online source of hand crafted, Reiki infused, yoga, home sanctuary, sound healing, gemstone healing and meditation products.
Pam is a Yoga Teacher, who focuses her practice on Yin Yoga. She has taught yoga in homeless shelters, nursing homes, senior centers, as well as in studios and gyms. Yin Yoga is a meditative practice that focuses on long holds of seated or reclined poses that work to unwind the body's deeper layers of fascia. Each pose is usually held for 3-5 minutes.
Andy is an environmental advocate, having worked for the EPA for 30 years. Before then, he represented organic food producers and was involved with the US Organic Food Production Law of 1990.
They are both certified Nepali Sound Healers trained by Grand Master Shree in Kathmandu, Nepal. Pam and Andy have conducted Yin Yoga and Yoga Niidra and singing bowl sound bath programs and conducted chakra balancing sessions throughout the Philadelphia area.
They are lovers of nature and collect gemstones in their travels across the US. They cut, shape and polish these gemstones in their home lapidary studio and incorporate them into spiritual artwork and malas.
Pam and Andy travel extensively through Nepal and continue to work collaboratively with their business partners Jaki and Tulsi in Nepal. Pam and Andy believe in giving back, and they have established a scholarship program, which pays the tuition for two young girls in Nepal.