the simplicity of the sand
Hands sink into cool sand.
Eyes focus on simple clay figures.
The familiar texture awakens childhood memories of play and discovery.
In the sand, complex topics that once felt overwhelming become accessible.
The sand creates a clarifying space where complex topics are explored with depth and dignity.
why does the sand matter
multi sensory
By engaging sight, touch, and hearing, the stories create multiple pathways for understanding—reaching people regardless of their preferred learning style.
communal
The circle format and shared experience foster a sense of community even around challenging topics, as participants witness not only the story but each other's responses.
accessible
Simple materials don't mean simplified content. Our approach honors the complexity of history while making it accessible across ages and backgrounds.
welcoming
The gentle nature of storytelling allows difficult topics to be approached without triggering defensiveness.
God-grounded
Every story is framed within the context of God's love for all creation, providing a foundation of shared values even among diverse perspectives.
how the stories unfold
Participants gather in a circle around a tray of sand. The storyteller begins by smoothing the sand, a simple ritual that signals we're entering a different kind of space.
get ready
Clay figures imprint the sand with the story of what happened without judgement, without heroes and villains, with human beings all children of God and equally loved
tell
Participants take a breath, let the story settle, and share their curiosities of what happened with the room. We stay grounded in sand, now disturbed with the events that took place and with the figures.
wonder
Lean back, stretch out. The imagination space of the story concludes by thanking our storyteller, and we move to our own feelings, the thoughts beyond the story, to connect it to our own life and world.
notice
experience our sand stories
noticing hierarchies
Experience this on-demand video story to help you identify hierarchies and see them in your own life. COMING SOON
telling the truth about racism
Our original training brings the history of racism to life through our unique sand storytelling method. We tailor the trainings to your specific organization.
the sand at live events
Our team is on the move leading conversations and telling sand stories at faith-based events, antiracism trainings, conferences, and festivals. Come meet us in the sand on the road.