<![CDATA[Nature Sacred’s BenchStories]]>fb5ae395-dce5-506a-9bb6-ac824bfcf0eaTue, 16 Jun 2026 15:24:44 +0000Captivate.fmNature Sacredhttps://artwork.captivate.fm/ca8401ab-beef-4288-8c8b-bdc6b43f72cd/NS-BenchStories-Podlet.jpgNature Sacred’s BenchStoriesNature SacredNature SacredThis 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.orghttps://naturesacred.org/benchstoriesfalseepisodicnopodcastWhat Emerges In NatureWhat Emerges In NatureOne person described two worlds. At home: yelling, slamming doors. On a bench in nature: a breeze rustling, a fountain gurgling. Everything changes.

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

]]>575cefaa-d5d9-4cde-9016-70885c69f2fcMon, 15 Jun 2026 22:40:00 -040004:56falsefull1661What SurfacesWhat Surfaces"I came to talk to the willows. They speak very slowly. No rush." This is what people write when they finally sit still.

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

]]>b0204484-32ab-40d1-8fbf-f83699f88221Mon, 15 Jun 2026 22:30:00 -040004:11falsefull1551The Place That Saved My LifeThe Place That Saved My LifeSomeone 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.

]]>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.

]]>fed2343a-352b-4762-8a77-086bc5dd5fe0Mon, 15 Jun 2026 21:55:00 -040006:01falsefull1441Spring and RenewalSpring 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.

]]>"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.

]]>e77926e9-3cf8-4e4e-8f08-933ae622aa6cTue, 24 Mar 2026 14:40:00 -040004:56falsefull1331LoveLoveSomeone 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.

]]>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.

]]>c88c1947-7c83-4201-b680-1c098b833ea4Tue, 24 Mar 2026 14:40:00 -040004:00falsefull1221EncouragementEncouragementA 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.

]]>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.

]]>77c93c66-92f3-4c02-98c9-3af468abbcfeTue, 24 Mar 2026 13:00:00 -040004:00falsefull1111