This bench caught my eye and it inspired a few thoughts.
What does it make you think about?
One of the wonderful pleasures of life is sitting on a bench with someone and having a good conversation. Sometimes the conversation will be deep. Sometimes it may, as our American friends say, simply be ‘shooting the breeze’. Sometimes it is enough to sit in quiet enjoying the company of the person we are with. Whatever it may be though, these moments can be for sharing.
One of the interesting aspects of sitting on a bench is that rather than facing directly opposite someone, as when at a table, we have a common view. It is also easier to discuss things because we are not opposite the other person. Is that because the table either protects us, or is it a barrier? Also looking someone straight in the eye can mean that the full meaning is avoided and the lovely way a conversation can just flow is missed.
I can remember may conversations held on such a bench. Also many a time I have just sat with a sandwich or a glass of wine. Sometimes with a book, looking for that deeper discovery.
When dry and in sun the simple bench is so enticing, look at any park on a sunny summer day. Then look again on the wet and windy days, they are obviously deserted. Then again on a crisp still autumn day someone well wrapped up in warm clothing will sit and rest their legs, or their mind.
Perhaps as we have the remaining days of summer fading fast it may be a good time to find a bench and have a good conversation with someone – who knows where that may lead!
So can you remember any benches you have sat on, and the conversations that flowed? I am sure you have a few invested in your memory bank, I know I have.
My best wishes,
Peter
