Sometimes we need a quiet place to sit and take in the world around us. It might be the sound of birds singing, the beauty of a tree, or simply having a little time to ourselves. BENCHTALK: Wisdoms Inspired in Nature brings together the thoughts and experiences of people who have found something meaningful in these moments.
Nature Sacred, a nonprofit organization, has spent years creating green spaces in places where people can benefit from having a place to pause and enjoy nature. These Sacred Spaces can be found in hospitals, disability centers, prisons, and urban neighborhoods. For 25 years, visitors have been leaving their thoughts in little yellow journals tucked inside benches. Their entries have now been gathered together in this collection.
What I love about this book is how personal and unique it is. Many of the entries are handwritten, each in a different style, and each includes the location where it was written. As I turn the pages, I feel as though I am getting a small glimpse into the lives of people I will probably never meet.
The entries cover a range of thoughts and feelings. Some people write about feeling blessed to have a place like this, while others express gratitude for the trees or mention how lovely it is to hear the birds. Each person has something different to share, but the beauty surrounding them is a common thread.
I also love the sketches scattered throughout the book. Some people have drawn trees, while others have captured insects, flowers, and other things that caught their eye. These little drawings add so much to the collection. Along with the different handwriting, they make the pages feel as though you are looking through someone's personal journal rather than reading a book written for an audience.
Some entries are simple observations, while others share more personal feelings. Together, they offer a look at what people choose to put into words when they have a little time to sit, think, and enjoy their surroundings. I find it touching that these small moments, recorded over the years in different places, have been brought together for others to read.
BENCHTALK: Wisdoms Inspired in Nature is such a wonderfully unique collection of other people's thoughts, feelings, and artwork. I love being able to turn the pages and discover what someone else noticed, appreciated, or felt moved to write down. It is a book to take your time with, enjoying each entry and the little details that make it special.
I received a copy of this lovely book from Emily Afifi, Publicity Assistant, Wunderkind PR
