Sand Play for the Soul: Awaken the Power of YOU to New Worlds of Possibility
by Paula Petrovic
Soul House Press (2006)
ISBN 0977791408
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (8/06)
I had the pleasure of reading “Sand Play for the Soul” while camping in Flagstaff. Flagstaff is near Sedona, where the book was created and where Paula Petrovic does her sand play sessions. Her writing really touched me on a deep level. It made me feel more special to know that I was close to where this amazing work takes place.
My initial thought about reading the book was based on my ego. I felt that it would enhance my training in counseling if I read about a different form of communication. I was familiar with play therapy, but Sand Play goes much deeper than that. My heart knew that I needed to read this book for myself and for the work I needed to do to heal and connect with my soul.
Through Sand Play, you use a tray filled with sand and small objects to make this connection. How you assign meaning to these objects and where you place them on your tray gives you the answers you need to understand yourself and see where you need to heal. You communicate with your soul and allow it to tell you what work needs to be done. Petrovic says: “There is nothing you cannot achieve when you and your soul are allied as ‘One’.”
The purpose of the sand tray and objects is to provide a three-dimensional medium to have this communication. She believes that “breaking free from established beliefs and habitual patterns that often hold us captive and cause mental, emotional, and physical suffering is no easy task. However, being able to see your life story symbolically presented before you helps you put the things in perspective”. and being able to respond clearly.” What I really like about this form of communication is that it’s something you can do on your own and still benefit from it over time.
Sand Play helps you discover what is right and true for you from “the place of knowing within your soul”. You can open communication with your soul in a way that is “supportive, empowering, and respectful.” Sand Play is meant to be fun and enriching. I would love to attend one of Petrovic’s workshops, but for now I can practice this on my own.
In addition to providing a wealth of information on how and why Sand Play works, Petrovic also has a great section in the book called “Sand Play Stories.” In this section he writes about the healing experiences of his clients. The people whose stories are told come from a variety of ages and backgrounds. Each story will touch your heart in a different way. The healing experiences these people find are incredible. I recommend this book for readers who are looking for a deeper means of connecting with their souls, and who are searching for answers that can truly only be found within themselves. I also recommend “Soul Sand Play” to counselors who wish to teach their clients to engage in self-discovery.