What role do painted cairns play in outdoor mindfulness practices?
What role do painted cairns play
Cairns (rock pile landmarks) have long served as route markers in the mountains of Scandinavia, but they also play an important role in outdoor mindfulness practices. The act of stacking rocks in balanced formations is considered a symbolic gesture to harmonize with nature and leave a minimal footprint on the landscape.
In prehistory, painting cairns were raised as memorials, burial monuments, and for navigational purposes. Today, they can still be seen dotted across mountainous terrains. Some are more elaborate than others, but all are a sign of human presence in harsh environments. The cairns are often painted, either for aesthetic reasons or for increased visibility. Some are even adorned with carvings or inuksuit (plural of Inuit snowmobile-like shelters called igloos).
There is a wide range of opinions on the use of painted cairns. Some people find them distracting, whereas others feel they add to the beauty of the landscape. They can also be the target of troll attacks. But for many hikers, the painted cairn is an important part of their outdoor mindfulness practice.
What role do painted cairns play in outdoor mindfulness practices?
Cairns are an integral part of Nordic culture. They have a long history of being built for navigational purposes, and have become a symbol of the Nordic people’s deep-rooted connection with nature. The tradition of building cairns is an excellent opportunity to engage with the environment while creating a work of art that shows off the Nordic landscape and its natural beauty.
A cairn is typically made up of a small, irregularly shaped stone pile. The stones may be loose or tightly stacked, and the entire structure can be as tall as you want it to be. Cairns are usually located near or on top of mountains, but they can also be found in rivers, valleys, and other scenic landscapes.
When hiking in Iceland, one might notice cairns that are painted with beautiful landscapes or messages of love for the people who have passed through. This is a common tradition, and travelers used to write their messages on the stones of the cairn before leaving it for someone else to enjoy when they next traveled through the region.
The rounded forms of this hand painted stretched canvas wall art reflect the shapes of these stone stacks, and the earthy tones of the natural setting. This piece of wall art is made over a wooden internal frame and uses natural colors to create a minimalist, yet earthy style for the living room or dining area.
When looking for ways to practice mindful walking outdoors, try going on a rock scavenger hunt. Choose a list of outdoor items to look for, like a specific plant, butterfly, bird, or anything that captures your interest. Take the time to stop and look at the landscape around you, noticing every detail as you walk. This will help you to stay fully engaged with the moment, and will teach you to appreciate the beauty of the world around you. This is a great activity for kids and adults, but it is always best to play outside with a responsible adult to keep you safe.