Worry Stones for Warriors

Sofia LaFalce, a junior at Fairfield Ludlowe HIgh School, is utilizing a refreshingly low-tech de-stressor -- worry stones -- to help Veterans, active service members and first responders. Her charity, Worry Stones for Warriors, began as a seventh grade class project, and has grown into a self-funded organization over the past five years. 

The use of worry stones dates back to Ancient Greek mariners who held small, ocean-smoothed rocks to calm themselves while at sea. In Irish folklore, these stones were a gift of friendship, thought to relieve worries and attract good fortune. Indigineous cultures considered the soothing stones to be family heirlooms, passed on through generations. It’s no surprise that Tibetans have utilized worry stones as a meditation tool for centuries. Some might say worry stones are the great great grandfather of fidget spinners.

At the root of these devices is redirecting one’s focus from anxiety-laden feelings or circumstances to a singular, ritualistic act. Instead of physically removing oneself from a stressful situation, a worry stone can absorb that tension and allow everyday life to continue. For veterans and military professionals, post-traumatic stress and depression are common afflictions and Sofia LaFalce has made it her mission to give them a go-to tool. Worry stones aren’t a medical remedy, yet still effective for many. It’s a portable and subtle source of peace which is readily available at home, at work or on the front lines.

Photo Cred: Sofia LaFalce

The “mechanics” of these small, smooth stones (also known as palm stones) are simple. The stones are meant to be held between the thumb and index finger, gently moving the thumb back and forth over the stone’s surface while concentrating on breathing or on an affirmation. The effect helps release tension and imparts a sense of calm and renewed focus.

Each stone is packaged in a velvet pouch with a message about the use of the worry stone, all funded through Sofia’s impressive recycling efforts. The industrious teen has spent hours sifting through bins of cans and bottles and using the refunded deposits to fuel her charity. She’s gotten creative with her recycling by piggy-backing on special events and collecting their empties. “I like that there are many parts to the project. I’m very interested in environmental conservation so this is a great way to combine my passions.” In September 2019, she worked at the Only You 5K, an event to fund the charity’s support of special needs families. In exchange for her help at the Jennings Beach event, Sofia was allowed to keep the recyclables and the ensuing proceeds. Forming additional partnerships like this is Sofia’s game plan for the future. “It’s a win-win for both sides. The events don’t have to worry about heaps of recyclables and Worry Stones for Warriors gets both income and visibility.”

What made Sofia create Worry Stones for Warriors for her assignment? “My father has always been a fan of worry stones and has given them to our family, friends and colleagues for many years. Many of his co-workers are veterans and they always appreciated the gesture. We don’t have any veterans in our family, but I have so much respect for the people who serve our country.” Sofia had such a positive response to her school project that she decided to expand it.

Worry Stones for Warriors has given out over 500 stones so far, and that number continues to grow. Sofia has sought out the Connecticut Department of Veteran Affairs, Fairfield-based Project from the Heart and Tampa, Florida’s Operation Helping Hand. Although the majority of the stones are shipped to recipients for privacy reasons, Sofia’s favorite part of the process is meeting the veterans who receive the stones. In October 2019, she had the honor of speaking at The Women Veterans Health and Wellness Retreat in Middletown, Connecticut and then gifting stones to the 60 female veterans in attendance.  

Thanks to Sofia LaFalce, Worry Stones for Warriors offers a welcome bit of peace to those who have worked so hard to serve our country and gives everyone a means of finding calm in an exceedingly uncertain era.