Nature-Based Expressive Arts Therapy

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APPENDIX D

Fire by Friction, Humility

and Attunement

Justin S. Cantalini, MA, LPC, NCC and

Erin Rice Cantalini, MA, LPC, NCC

Purpose

The historical purpose of the hand-drill has been for basic survival.
The primal nature of this skill brings us towards our essence as a
human being. We have a fundamental and intimate relationship
with this skill; though it has become lost in so many contemporary
societies leaving us a feeling of ancestral and evolutionary grief.
When performed solo or in tandem with a partner, this skill helps
build non-verbal communication, connection and attunement. The
amount of finesse and perseverance required to learn the skill gives
the opportunity to build present-minded awareness, deepen our
sensual experience and increase self-regulation skills.

Materials

The hand-drill spindle

• An arm’s length plant stalk (hardwood is too dense) that is
  straight and dry


• The spindle should be between ¼ and ½ inches in diameter
  (⅜ inch preferred)