Connect. Choose a bench that’s already occupied for the perfect opportunity to connect with someone you might not have otherwise met. Share your story or be the one to listen, Forrest Gump style. If this isn’t your thing – or your fellow occupant prefers privacy and their own company – take friends or family to your favourite bench and try the art of sideways listening, to see if the conversation flows more easily when sitting side by side.
Notice. It’s easy to see why lots of people favour a bench with a view. Seek out a scenic spot and soak in the surroundings. Notice nature’s beauty and take a photo to capture the moment. What else do you notice about the bench you’ve chosen? What makes it special? Does it have a memorial plaque, a quirky design feature or an accumulation of graffiti that offers an insight into those who also favour the spot?