Sunday, August 11, 2024 Daily Features
"Is not impermanence the very fragrance of our day."
— Rainer Maria Rilke

Circles in the Sand

Circles in the Sand
Denny Dyke is a sand artist who creates elaborate sand labyrinths on the coast of Southern Oregon. He explains that he began creating them as a solo meditation practice “that I started years ago of kind of living in the now.” Over time, the freehand designs became quite a tourist attraction with hundreds showing up to enjoy them. He used to work alone, but now has a circle of volunteers to help. Denny shares that a labyrinth “is a single path. You don't even have to worry about what direction you're going. It just puts you in a different place.” After all the work, and enjoyment of the artistic beauty, the tides roll in, and the labyrinths wash away. As one who walked the path pointed out, impermanence is the point: “It reminds us everything's pretty temporary, right. I think that's the message for all of us -- is be in the now, and allow what's next to happen.”

Be the Change

Find a local labyrinth to walk, or go on a slow, meditative walk in which your only focus is the present moment. Breathe in the fragrance of impermanence.

Get Daily Inspiration

For 29 years, we've delivered hand-selected stories that spark creativity and kindness. Join 139,837 subscribers on this journey.

Subscribe Free