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Nature Sacred’s BenchStories

Nature Sacred’s BenchStories

Written by: Nature Sacred
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About this listen

 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.orgCopyright 2026 Nature Sacred Biological Sciences Economics Management Management & Leadership Science Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Spring and Renewal

    Spring and Renewal
    Mar 24 2026

    "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.
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    5 mins
  • Love

    Love
    Mar 24 2026

    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.
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    4 mins
  • Encouragement

    Encouragement
    Mar 24 2026

    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.
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    4 mins
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