Lunar Beacon

As residents walk along the Recovery Pathway in front of Cloud Nine Studios, they pass by a 12-foot steel sculpture that frames a giant mosaic of highly reflective dichroic art glass and is suspended 20-feet from the ground. Between its size, position, and composition, it practically forces passersby to look at it.

This is the Lunar Beacon,

More accurate name is a Lunar Beacon™ Brand Sensory Landmark

Looking at such a visually stimulating object also releases dopamine, which is added to the copious amounts released by the aforementioned ballet of non-linear motion being performed by all the other visual elements in the courtyard. Looking at such a unique object—as it is truly one-of-a-kind—aids in the formation and organization of memories, which is important in the long-term, as it is the cumulative impact of many trips along this path that can lead to a profound therapeutic effect.

Finally, the scale and elevated position of the Lunar Beacon all but force onlookers to look up. This is significant because simply raising our head and adopting an upright posture can have a surprisingly powerful impact on our psychological well-being as it raises mood, self-esteem, and confidence while reducing fear, anxiety, and stress. It also has a positive impact on the vagus nerve and the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, both of which play a role in regulating mood and stress response, plus it increases oxygen flow to the brain, which can improve focus, alertness, concentration, and persistence in problem-solving.

Key Moment: Thinking about the Lunar Beacon

While everything up until this point will affect any who walk the path, even visitors, all residents will know—because it is explained during orientation—that the Lunar Beacon is not just a piece of art, but a functional device that is designed to reunite families that have been torn apart by tragedy, symbolically linking people to lost loved ones via reflected moonlight and eventually helping to guide them back home. The knowledge that a piece created with such intentions and value for life is a permanent part of their home can have a halo effect that makes them feel better about where they live.

For residents with cats, the Beacon may elicit even deeper reactions. It may remind them of the three tiny Lunar Beacons in their own home that are mounted in the spaces built specifically for cats: the cat loft, litter closet, and bowl basin, which, in turn, reminds them that they live in a place built to take care of not just themselves, but also their loved ones.

Thinking about the practical function of the Beacon can also make people feel more seen, appreciated, and connected, because while they may love their pet, it can feel lonely and isolating if they feel they are the only one who cares, especially if others in their life do not love animals like they do. However, the Beacon is overwhelming evidence that at least one person out in the world respects and values their relationship with their pet—even if he hasn't even met the animal—so much so that he built an absurdly large contraption just in case it might help them find their way back should they ever get lost.

While a wide variety of thoughts can be elicited by the Beacon, most often, we suspect, looking at will simply make residents think of their cats and how they will see them in just a few moments, a simple but powerful mood elevator that comes with a large dose of oxytocin and is difficult to top.

Note: LUNAR BEACON is a registered trademark of Foster Love, Inc. Used with permission.