Strangers on a Bench: Episode 4 - "Making Miniatures by the Sea"

Host: Tom Rosenthal
Release Date: October 7, 2024
Episode: EPISODE 4: Making Miniatures by the Sea

Introduction

In the fourth episode of Strangers on a Bench, host Tom Rosenthal delves into the serene yet intricate world of miniature art with a special guest whose life took a profound turn by the sea. This episode explores themes of personal transformation, the therapeutic nature of creativity, and the importance of rest in a fast-paced world.

A Leap of Faith: Moving Across the Country

The conversation begins with Tom approaching his guest—an anonymous individual who recently relocated from downtown Canada to a tranquil ocean-side rural area. The guest shares the motivations behind this significant life change:

[01:06] Guest: "I thought about living by an ocean for a long time, and I think I wanted a slower pace of life. And the place I moved to is really slow. So. Went from downtown urban life to ocean view rural life. Yeah, it's perfect. It feeds the soul."

This move was not just a change in scenery but a drastic shift in lifestyle, moving from the hustle of urban living to a peaceful, soul-nourishing environment.

Embracing Change: Personal Growth Post-Move

Tom probes into the personal transformations that accompanied this relocation. The guest reflects on shedding societal pressures and embracing authenticity:

[01:46] Guest: "I worry less about what people think about my decisions. A lot of people had a lot of thoughts about me moving across the country by myself."

This newfound freedom allowed the guest to prioritize personal happiness over external judgments, fostering a deeper connection with their true self.

Rediscovering Playfulness: The Art of Miniatures

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the guest's passion for creating miniatures—a hobby rekindled during the pandemic:

[05:23] Guest: "Well, they're very small things. A 1 to 12 scale? 1 inch to 12 inch. Like dollhouse size."

The guest elaborates on their creative process, constructing detailed dioramas and miniature libraries inspired by books that hold personal significance to people in their life. This artistic pursuit not only serves as a creative outlet but also strengthens community bonds by honoring the interests of loved ones.

The Joy of Making: Captivating the Imagination

The guest expresses the universal appeal of miniatures, highlighting how these tiny creations captivate people regardless of age or background:

[06:52] Guest: "It doesn't matter. Age, gender, background. People get kind of captivated by it. It allows people to go into a world that is not one they see every day. And I think we need more. Wonderful."

This fascination with miniatures bridges gaps between individuals, offering a shared experience of wonder and creativity.

Balancing Passion and Commercialization

Discussing the future of their miniature creations, the guest contemplates the balance between sharing their work and maintaining its intrinsic joy:

[07:06] Guest: "I sometimes post them on Instagram. Yeah. I'm contemplating doing a store of some sort, but I'm worried that selling them will take the joy out of it, so."

This introspection reflects a common dilemma faced by artists: preserving the purity of their passion amidst potential commercial pressures.

Healing and Self-Discovery: Returning to the Inner Child

A heartfelt segment delves into the guest's journey of reconnecting with their inner child, reclaiming lost aspects of their personality stifled by societal expectations:

[04:25] Guest: "I think I've come back fully to myself more than anything. Like I feel like I'm more connected to my 8-year-old self than ever and I'm living a life that my 8-year-old self would have been so pumped to live."

This reconnection has been a gradual process, aided by intentional rest and creative expression, allowing the guest to reclaim confidence and a sense of wonder.

The Necessity of Rest in Modern Life

Tom and the guest discuss the critical importance of rest, especially in a society that often equates rest with laziness:

[12:15] Guest: "There's just a wonder to it. It's like you see something human size and then you see something so small, and you're just like, what?"

The guest emphasizes creating spaces for rest and restoration, advocating for societal shifts that value downtime as essential for personal well-being and self-discovery.

Crisis as a Catalyst for Change

Reflecting on a pivotal moment, the guest recounts how a health scare acted as a wake-up call, prompting a reevaluation of life priorities:

[13:28] Guest: "I was working what I thought was my dream job eight years ago... I thought I was dying sometimes. And so I took some time off. That's the sabbatical."

This crisis underscored the unsustainability of their previous path, leading to the sabbatical that ultimately facilitated their move and personal transformation.

Conclusion: Embracing the Present and Looking Forward

As the episode wraps up, the guest contemplates the future, pondering what comes next after establishing a life that aligns with their authentic self:

[14:53] Guest: "What's next? That's the big question and it's not like I need to find out but it's like this is a nice slow life. Is there something next or is this okay?"

This open-ended reflection highlights the ongoing journey of self-discovery and the continuous evolution of personal goals and desires.

Closing Remarks

Tom and the guest share a moment in St. Paul's churchyard, symbolizing a place of reflection and community. The episode closes with a poetic outro that encapsulates the themes of rest, creativity, and embracing one's true self.

Key Takeaways

• Personal Transformation: Moving to a peaceful environment can lead to profound personal growth and self-discovery.
• Creative Expression: Engaging in creative hobbies like miniature making can serve as therapeutic outlets and foster community connections.
• Importance of Rest: In a society driven by constant productivity, prioritizing rest is essential for mental and emotional well-being.
• Reconnecting with the Inner Child: Embracing playful and creative aspects of oneself can lead to a more fulfilling and authentic life.
• Crisis as a Catalyst: Personal crises can prompt necessary changes, leading to more aligned and satisfying life paths.

Notable Quotes

• Guest on Starting Fresh:
  “[00:52] B: Start. It's the beginning of possibility. So I like planning my week and seeing what it might bring.”

• Guest on Personal Change:
  “[04:25] B: I think I've come back fully to myself more than anything. Like I feel like I'm more connected to my 8-year-old self than ever and I'm living a life that my 8-year-old self would have been so pumped to live.”

• Guest on the Joy of Miniatures:
  “[06:52] B: It doesn't matter. Age, gender, background. People get kind of captivated by it. It allows people to go into a world that is not one they see every day. And I think we need more. Wonderful.”

• Guest on Rest:
  “[12:15] B: There's just a wonder to it. It's like you see something human size and then you see something so small, and you're just like, what?”

• Guest on Crisis and Change:
  “[13:28] B: I was working what I thought was my dream job eight years ago... I thought I was dying sometimes. And so I took some time off. That's the sabbatical.”

Final Thoughts

Episode 4 of Strangers on a Bench offers a compelling exploration of how intentional life changes and creative pursuits can lead to deeper self-understanding and fulfillment. Through the guest's journey from urban chaos to ocean-side tranquility and miniature artistry, listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own lives, the importance of rest, and the value of reconnecting with their authentic selves.