Everybody Needs a Rock
by Byrd Baylor was published in 1974. The story outlines ten simple, but important rules to finding the perfect rock and inspires the reader to follow the rules and go out to find their own special rock.

Everybody Needs A Rock Rules:
Find your rock anywhere.
Shhhhhh… choose a rock quietly.
Look at your rock eye to eye.
Don’t choose a rock that’s too big.
Don’t choose a rock that’s too small.
Choose a rock that fits into your hand.
Look for the perfect color.
Choose a rock that has an interesting shape.
Sniff your rock. (they all smell different!)
Don’t ask for help. You can do this all by yourself.

The underlying message of this book may be that everyone needs something solid to hold onto during challenging times.  It is also a gentle reminder to take time to notice and connect to nature and to the things that really matter.

Adrienne Gear suggests (in her blog) to create “A Giving Back Rock” by painting a special word or message on a rock and leave it outside of someone else to enjoy.

Thank you Adrienne Gear for sharing these ideas to encourage all of us to be present with nature, especially on this upcoming May Long Weekend.