Swedish poet Louise Halvardsson visited Wales this February to continue her poetry project, Benching—a creative and meditative protest against the pressures of modern productivity.
Halvardsson launched the Benching project on her 40th birthday as a response to societal expectations of constant activity. “Benching started as a way to recover from stress and near burnout,” she explained. “When I turned 40, I sat on a bench for 40 minutes every day for 40 days in Berlin. It changed my life.”
The Concept Behind ‘Benching’
The project is simple yet profound. A participant must sit on the same park bench at the same time for 40 consecutive days, with each session lasting exactly 40 minutes. The rules are clear: no distractions, no phone, no food, no water. Silence is required unless a stranger initiates a conversation. If a friend joins, they must also sit in silence.
Halvardsson finds the practice deeply restorative. “After a bench session, I often feel like I have more time. My mind is refreshed, and my body feels calm. It’s a reminder that we don’t have to be productive all the time,” she said.
A Journey Through History and Poetry
During her visit to Wales, Halvardsson explored Anglesey and the old mining site in Llanberis on the recommendation of a friend. “I loved it!” she said, captivated by the island’s rich history. “The story of the druids and their bards fascinated me. I even saw a stone circle in Beaumaris where druids supposedly used to declare poetry.”
Halvardsson’s birthday tradition aligns with her project’s theme of solitude and self-reflection. Instead of hosting celebrations, she prefers to travel to unfamiliar places. “I get anxious about birthdays and find it stressful to organize a party,” she admitted. “So every year, I go somewhere new—sometimes alone, sometimes with friends. It’s a kind of performance.”
During her time in Anglesey, she visited at least ten benches, many of which inspired her writing. She described the seafront benches in Beaumaris as particularly memorable. While she takes notes for future poems, she also keeps a diary of her experiences.
A Growing International Project
The Benching project evolves with each passing year. To mark her 43rd birthday, Halvardsson extended her sitting time to 43 minutes. “A friend and I were hiking in Holyhead on a windy, rainy day when we found a bench overlooking the sea. I had to stop and do some benching,” she recalled. “I didn’t sit for the full 40 minutes, but on my actual birthday, back in Hebden Bridge, I did 43 minutes.”
Last summer, Halvardsson introduced Benching at Tranås Fringe Festival in Sweden, a festival linked to Write4Word in Carmarthen. The project has since reached people in Canada, Wales, and Sweden. Participants have shared their reflections over coffee, turning their experiences into poetry and stories.
As Benching continues to spread across borders, Halvardsson’s message remains clear: stillness has value. Her work challenges the fast-paced nature of modern life, encouraging people to slow down, reflect, and embrace the art of doing nothing.
Related topics: