Benched For A Day

Posted on January 21st, 2004 in Insight.

As an exercise in observation, stillness and patience I am pondering the idea of perching myself on a bench in downtown Corvallis for a period of 24 hours…

From this strategic position I would be able to watch people go about their daily activities, photographing the interesting as well as the mundane. A descriptive journal would be kept to record my thoughts and observations. Perhaps I would even encounter the occasional direct interaction from the curious passerby or police officer. I would explain to them my purpose and ask them to share what they thought and if I could take a photograph of them. To capture a variety of human activity, I think being benched from 5am Friday to 5am Saturday would yield a nice mix of day to day work activity as well as a taste of residents’ recreational movements on a weekend night.

Would this be easy to do? Theoretically yes, but then I cannot recall ever sitting for more than maybe 4 hours straight. The real challenge would be to keep the mind clear of any perceived discomfort and focused on the art of observation for the entire time. I think this would be especially challenging during the final hour or two during the hour of 4am when there is probably little activity to focus on and the body has already been sitting for 23 hours. What would this effort accomplish? Externally probably very little besides stiff legs and a sore rear, but internally a renewed sense of discipline would hopefully emerge along with a unique perspective on activities that usually go unnoticed. Would it be worth it? Well, thats hard to answer as ‘worth’ is certainly a very subjective idea. I don’t think I could determine the definitive value of the exercise until it has long been completed and reflected upon.

Right now this is just an idea. Does anyone have any thoughts or suggestions? If you think I’m nuts, please don’t hold back!

 

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3 responses

  1. Lawrence says:

    Added on January 24th, 2004 at 6:23 am

    ‘To remember the essential, and to forget the non-essential.’

    Gaining personal perfection is the goal of all enlightened souls, or ‘humans’ if you perfer, and by walking the path of selfguidence to obtain ones personal perfection such measures are often required. The reflection of outside interferences is one steppin stone to the path, I am most interested in your idea of this -sit-. I believe not only will you gain patience, but you will find a lilttle bit of that intangible self located within your subconsious. For in all truth this is a self of self-deambulance, guidence, and learning on the personal level.

    Sitting there, on the bench, remember this while you are in meditation: “once inside the mind, releasing the true essence is difficult. but after this simple step; reality is achieved.”

    looking forward to reading about your adventure.
    ~Lawrence.

  2. Bob says:

    Added on January 26th, 2004 at 7:02 pm

    You should definitely try this, and pick a good bench. I would choose one where people might congregate, like by a bus stop. This might generate interesting conversations. How do you plan to stay awake? Could you get up at all? Just remember to bring a seat cushion and box of chocolates.

  3. Topher says:

    Added on March 5th, 2004 at 9:32 am

    I wonder if this should not be done in stages. For example, observe the same bench for two days from 5am - 10am, and for two days from 4pm - 9pm. Then do a 24 hour period. This would give you a base off of which you can make your observations meaningful. Not to mention it would give you a feel for what you are going to be up against for your full 24-hour period. The times are just pulled from the top of my head and are up to your discretion.

    One question does come to mind; do you plan to hold your bodily functions for 24 hours? If not I suggest you find a bench near a rest room.

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