ONCE you’ve hidden a painted pebble or rock – portraying a positive message that can change someone’s day – it is no longer yours, but everybody’s on this kindness mission.
This phenomenon of using pebbles or rocks as an inspiring medium has taken residents of Nelson Mandela Bay metropole by storm and attracted children and adults to explore outdoor areas they would never have visited otherwise.
PE Rocks was established during August 2020 and currently has nearly 6 300 members.
Lyndi Smith is the founder member of PE Rocks and said she never knew it would get this big so quickly.
“I found my very first rock at the beginning of Lockdown and I was so excited.
“It was a Cape Town Rock and I thought to myself, why don’t we have a PE Rocks? I would like to thank Lauren Vad and Candice Blom for helping me with this venture,” said Lyndi.
“This is such a good way to spread joy especially during this very difficult time that we all have to face. We could all use a little bit of extra happiness in our lives.”
She said what brings her great joy from PE Rocks is seeing how creative people are.
“But, the greatest part about it all is knowing that that little rock might just make someone’s day a little bit better.”
Keep it, post it or re-hide
Lyndi said if a special rock has touched your heart, you should keep it. If possible, do post it on the PE Rocks Facebook group so that the artist knows how much you enjoy that rock. But, people are encouraged to re-hide as often as possible.
“That rock could bring the same joy to so many others, just like it did for you when you first found it.
“We have seen many negative remarks when someone’s rock is never shared on the Facebook page or someone keeps too many. Remember this is meant to be fun.
“It’s so important for people to get outside, be healthy, and have fun! If PE Rocks has helped families and friends reconnect in new ways and engage in healthy activities, that is more than I could ever have imagined when this all began.”
Oldest art form – keep environment clean
Rock hunting is enjoyed across the globe and actually is the oldest form of art known to humans. Ancient civilizations used to tell stories on rocks by painting symbols that represented their daily life, rituals and even maps.
For the modern rock painting, one can use acrylic paint, paint pens and a clear sealer. By participating in PE Rocks, you are participating in acts of kindness.
“Thus we do not want anything on the rocks that can harm the environment. Make sure the surroundings are not subjected to any negativity from your actions.”
What is also positive is that some PE Rockers include nature while spreading rock love through picking up litter and leaving places nicer than they found them.
Well-travelled rocks
There are several well-travelled rocks, with PE Rocks having been spotted in Durban, Knysna, Tsitsikamma and Pretoria. Members are, however, requested not to hide painted rocks in reserves.
“Maybe you are going overseas. Take a rock and hide it along your way.
“The destinations are endless and the more people that can find this to be enjoyable, the better. This way Port Elizabeth (Nelson Mandela Bay) will be all over the world in no time!” said Lyndi.
- To see the joy PE Rocks bring visit their Facebook page or keep an eye open next time you are in the outdoors.
