Nature Sacred’s BenchStories

Nature Sacred
  • 5.0 (7)
  • Personal Journals

This is your invitation for a pause with nature. Across the country, in contemplative green spaces known as Sacred Places, little waterproof yellow journals sit tucked under benches. For thirty years, people have been writing in them. Not because anyone asked them to, but because something happens when you sit quietly in nature, even for a minute. BenchStories is a podlet that brings those journal entries to life, hosted by Salma Hasan Ali. Her voice is at the same time soothing and utterly immersive. Each episode is about three minutes: the entries, and some space to breathe. Learn more: www.naturesacred.org

Episodes

  1. 14h ago

    What Emerges In Nature

    One person described two worlds. At home: yelling, slamming doors. On a bench in nature: a breeze rustling, a fountain gurgling. Everything changes.

    5 min

  2. 14h ago

    What Surfaces

    "I came to talk to the willows. They speak very slowly. No rush." This is what people write when they finally sit still.

    4 min

  3. 15h ago

    The Place That Saved My Life

    Someone found this place accidentally the day they almost didn't survive it. Walking dogs through a cemetery, a headstone caught their attention—a gay veteran, proud. That moment, that place, saved their life. This episode contains references to suicidal thoughts. If you or someone you know is struggling or needs support, call or text 988 anytime to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

    6 min

  4. Mar 24

    Spring and Renewal

    "Those trees, these turtles, they don't care about politics." What do people write when they finally sit still and look around — and leave behind for strangers? A few minutes with the natural world, through the eyes of fellow humans.

    5 min

  5. Mar 24

    Love

    Someone proposed on a bench. Then they picked up a yellow journal and wrote it all down — for the next person to find. That's not the only love story in here. Three minutes. Press play and breathe.

    4 min

  6. Mar 24

    Encouragement

    A stranger sat on a bench, picked up a journal, and wrote a message to someone they'd never meet. So did dozens of others. Three minutes of the quiet encouragement you didn't know you needed.

    4 min
  • 6 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

This is your invitation for a pause with nature. Across the country, in contemplative green spaces known as Sacred Places, little waterproof yellow journals sit tucked under benches. For thirty years, people have been writing in them. Not because anyone asked them to, but because something happens when you sit quietly in nature, even for a minute. BenchStories is a podlet that brings those journal entries to life, hosted by Salma Hasan Ali. Her voice is at the same time soothing and utterly immersive. Each episode is about three minutes: the entries, and some space to breathe. Learn more: www.naturesacred.org

Information