I am a proud sitter. A running joke at my old job was if you want me to react to something - put it on my desk chair. I reviewed copy, budgets, layouts through a process I called assmosis. Love your piece and the benches, but I’m sticking with sitting. 🩷
I love that you're a sitter. I didn't know know this about you, and I know a fair amount. Have you always been a sitter? And where do you like to sit, now that your desk chair is no longer covered with layouts - or is it?
Thank you for this provocative essay! When I went to SE Asia a few years ago I was reminded that chair sitting is a rather recent convention - roughly 4000 years old. I witnessed people squatting on the sidewalk as they had lunch, talked with friends or just rested. I was sad to realize that had lost my squatting muscles somewhere along the way. I wonder what else I've lost??
Hi Ruth! Squatting is definitely an acquired habit, and you are not the only one who is losing the ability to do it. I squat in the garden to get down to the level of the weeds, but no where else, except, occasionally at the Y. It's tough on the knees. I have seen photos of older people in foreign countries looking pretty comfortable in a squat. They must have trained their bodies to be able to do this, or they maybe have more flexibility than the average American! The good news is your mind is 100 percent intact and still producing good writing and valuable advice.
I am not much of a sitter either. As you know we built a patio in the yard several years ago to house several chaise lounges, umbrellas and Adirondack chairs. I can count on one hand the number of times I have reclined on the chaise. But the dogs do love to sit on them so at least they are getting some use 😂
Ha! We sat in those chairs last week! You and I sat! Granted, it was for about 20 minutes, but we did it. And then you went to Halifax and rode 100 miles, probably because of those 20 minutes. I thought you bought the chaise lounges FOR the dogs.
I must have drove Allie crazy growing up because I do not sit still. Unapologetically in motion. Next time I see her I'll try to commit slowing down to sit and relax a little. But no guarantees. Love your work, Susan, hope you and the fam are well : )
Stu, we are kindred souls! And yes, no guarantees - but if you can do it, I can do it! Have fun this weekend. I know your mom is looking forward to some quality girl time. And thanks for reading my substack!
I come from a long line of sitters. Book readers, nappers, movie watchers, boaters. It is not in my nature to move but move I must. I do love ot sit in museums, and the Rockwell Museum in Corning, NY has several great benches for contemplating art. Our backyard Adirondack chairs are also a good reason to sit and just be.
Clare, I'm envious of your sitting prowess. I do have an understanding of the desire to just be - and sometimes I'm sitting when that mood overtakes my natural inclination to move. When I sit for a long while, I need to shift my position or stand here and there. What's the secret to sitting without feeling restless?
HA this is pretty good. Those benches that look cool (temp wise) are ones I want to sit on for some reason, I think plus the implication of mass - they look heavy, so they are already just being there heavily. Check this out https://news.stanford.edu/stories/2021/04/alicja-kwade-site-specific-installation-stanford-science-engineering-quad-suggests-alternate-realities . Stanford has this outside exhibit that is giant marbles. Various things to comment about but if you walk up to any of them and put your hands on them it's very relaxing for some reason, maybe mass is relaxing
Wow, what cool globes, spheres, large marbles made of stone from all over the world! They are definitely being there heavily. It's great that people can interact with them...but I somehow wish visitors could do more than touch them or lean against them. I don't know what that would be. Having them actually move seems out of the question. I have to think more about your mass comment. Mass could equal permanence - and maybe permanence is stable, reliable, and relaxing.
Guess it's in my blood. My maternal grandfather, an expert rider and trainer, put me on a horse when I could barely walk. They are beautiful animals, and have taken me places I otherwise could not go - like deep into the Teton mountain range.
I love that your grandfather introduced you to one of his passions. When we learn something very young, either on our own or from someone important in our lives, it usually sticks. And even when we don't do it as often anymore, we have reels of happy memories to play in our minds.
I’m sure that comment about sitting being the new smoking was made in reference to health - that sitting for too long and too much isn’t good for the heart the same way smoking isn’t. That being said, when your knees hurt and your back and spine ache, a comfy place to sit is very welcome. My favorite spot is on my living room loveseat. I have a small heating pad ready to go at my back. It soothes out those kinks, and with a built in leg rest and my dog at my side, I’m truly at rest.
Hi Teresa, I think you're right that it was a health-related ad campaign, which I twisted to my own devices! Your loveseat sounds like the perfect place to land at the end of the day, especially with a heating pad to melt away the rough edges. Ah....
I can only sit for so long before my body just pops up, wanting to move. However, I now have a favorite chair in the sunroom that sits in the SE corner. Perfect to greet the day and get energized to go gardening and feel the suns warmth in winter and take a cat nap. A beach chair with or without a book at Napatree was always a favorite.
Napatree! Now there's a place I could sit in a chair - as long as I walk the beach first. I like that you have a sunroom chair that serves as both a place to relax and to re-energize. Chairs can switch hats, right? My desk chair is a working chair in the morning, but it becomes a chair to chat from in the evening. Nice to hear from you, Maggy!
Nineteen years ago I moved to Dallas and knowing few people I used to walk around White Rock Lake famous for small sail boats, joggers, and racing attire adorned bicyclists. As the walk was over ten miles I would stop and rest on various benches along the way that looked over the lake toward the Dallas skyline. It can be a peaceful, tranquil place and sometimes I would bring a book. It is a good combination of activity and rest.
That’s a great walk - and benches along the way helped make it so. To be given permission to sit is a luxurious allowance, as well as simple and thoughtful
I love this, and it has motivated me to see the museum! I believe in "mindful sitting," in contemplating the beauty that surrounds my home, listening to birdsong, simply appreciating the fact that I feel well, that I am pain free and grateful for that. There is a place for sitting, and I enjoy it.
Yes, go to the New Britain Museum of American Art. In the photos of two of the benches, you will see some of the offerings in the background, including the stunning portrait of a woman in a flowing orange dress - not painted by John Singer Sargent, but by someone clearly as talented. This is a reminder to me how subjective art can be, and how lucky some artists have been.
Susan, This is the first one of your pieces to which I could fully relate. Of course I was sitting as I read it, but you have presented an interesting idea; all seats don't have to be boring chairs or sofas. But where do I find something bizzare enough to qualify. Maybe the search is, in fact, the best part.
Hello Robin! I'm glad to know that you, too, are interested in, well, interesting seating. I was so taken by that bear bench, I wanted to bring it home. And yet, there is something about not owning the item of fascination that makes it, well, more fascinating!
I am always impressed with your energy and your need for motion Susan. It is inspiring to me and a good reminder that I possibly sit too much! However, I also have spent time on Koshlong with you, sitting in all the many places that bring peace, tranquility and different views of the lake or sitting at the games table to play fun board games. I also know that you love to sit at a potters wheel and create beautiful things.
I love the Koshlong sitting areas - and we seem to enjoy all of them during our visits. (I can definitely sit longer on the shore of a perfect Ontario lake than I can elsewhere...) Games are definitely a good reason to sit, as well as creating pottery at the wheel. I was in the studio this afternoon, and I did not get weary of sitting.
I have never owned either a large leather La-Z-Boy recliner or a high-tech "massage chair". I think they are expensive and take up a lot of space. I like to picture one with end table and a floor reading lamp (and no TV in front of it). Does anyone have this kind of set up? What do you think of it?
I might like one of those chairs because 1) my feet would be up, and 2) I would be half sitting and half lying down. That could be the sweet spot - and very conducive to napping.
I am a proud sitter. A running joke at my old job was if you want me to react to something - put it on my desk chair. I reviewed copy, budgets, layouts through a process I called assmosis. Love your piece and the benches, but I’m sticking with sitting. 🩷
Deirg - I think I employed assmosis in college...
I love that you're a sitter. I didn't know know this about you, and I know a fair amount. Have you always been a sitter? And where do you like to sit, now that your desk chair is no longer covered with layouts - or is it?
Thank you for this provocative essay! When I went to SE Asia a few years ago I was reminded that chair sitting is a rather recent convention - roughly 4000 years old. I witnessed people squatting on the sidewalk as they had lunch, talked with friends or just rested. I was sad to realize that had lost my squatting muscles somewhere along the way. I wonder what else I've lost??
Hi Ruth! Squatting is definitely an acquired habit, and you are not the only one who is losing the ability to do it. I squat in the garden to get down to the level of the weeds, but no where else, except, occasionally at the Y. It's tough on the knees. I have seen photos of older people in foreign countries looking pretty comfortable in a squat. They must have trained their bodies to be able to do this, or they maybe have more flexibility than the average American! The good news is your mind is 100 percent intact and still producing good writing and valuable advice.
I am not much of a sitter either. As you know we built a patio in the yard several years ago to house several chaise lounges, umbrellas and Adirondack chairs. I can count on one hand the number of times I have reclined on the chaise. But the dogs do love to sit on them so at least they are getting some use 😂
Ha! We sat in those chairs last week! You and I sat! Granted, it was for about 20 minutes, but we did it. And then you went to Halifax and rode 100 miles, probably because of those 20 minutes. I thought you bought the chaise lounges FOR the dogs.
I must have drove Allie crazy growing up because I do not sit still. Unapologetically in motion. Next time I see her I'll try to commit slowing down to sit and relax a little. But no guarantees. Love your work, Susan, hope you and the fam are well : )
Stu, we are kindred souls! And yes, no guarantees - but if you can do it, I can do it! Have fun this weekend. I know your mom is looking forward to some quality girl time. And thanks for reading my substack!
I come from a long line of sitters. Book readers, nappers, movie watchers, boaters. It is not in my nature to move but move I must. I do love ot sit in museums, and the Rockwell Museum in Corning, NY has several great benches for contemplating art. Our backyard Adirondack chairs are also a good reason to sit and just be.
Clare, I'm envious of your sitting prowess. I do have an understanding of the desire to just be - and sometimes I'm sitting when that mood overtakes my natural inclination to move. When I sit for a long while, I need to shift my position or stand here and there. What's the secret to sitting without feeling restless?
I have always admired your energy and commitment to exercise!
Okay - so we must help each other. I'll gladly donate some of my energy to you if you'll send me some of your stillness.
Deal!
HA this is pretty good. Those benches that look cool (temp wise) are ones I want to sit on for some reason, I think plus the implication of mass - they look heavy, so they are already just being there heavily. Check this out https://news.stanford.edu/stories/2021/04/alicja-kwade-site-specific-installation-stanford-science-engineering-quad-suggests-alternate-realities . Stanford has this outside exhibit that is giant marbles. Various things to comment about but if you walk up to any of them and put your hands on them it's very relaxing for some reason, maybe mass is relaxing
Wow, what cool globes, spheres, large marbles made of stone from all over the world! They are definitely being there heavily. It's great that people can interact with them...but I somehow wish visitors could do more than touch them or lean against them. I don't know what that would be. Having them actually move seems out of the question. I have to think more about your mass comment. Mass could equal permanence - and maybe permanence is stable, reliable, and relaxing.
Love that bear bench! My favorite place to sit, although I very rarely get to do it anymore, is on a saddle atop a living, smoothly moving horse.
Bethe - what do you love about being on a horse? How is it comforting to you? And what else is it? Exhilarating? Daring? Accomplished?
Guess it's in my blood. My maternal grandfather, an expert rider and trainer, put me on a horse when I could barely walk. They are beautiful animals, and have taken me places I otherwise could not go - like deep into the Teton mountain range.
I love that your grandfather introduced you to one of his passions. When we learn something very young, either on our own or from someone important in our lives, it usually sticks. And even when we don't do it as often anymore, we have reels of happy memories to play in our minds.
I’m sure that comment about sitting being the new smoking was made in reference to health - that sitting for too long and too much isn’t good for the heart the same way smoking isn’t. That being said, when your knees hurt and your back and spine ache, a comfy place to sit is very welcome. My favorite spot is on my living room loveseat. I have a small heating pad ready to go at my back. It soothes out those kinks, and with a built in leg rest and my dog at my side, I’m truly at rest.
Hi Teresa, I think you're right that it was a health-related ad campaign, which I twisted to my own devices! Your loveseat sounds like the perfect place to land at the end of the day, especially with a heating pad to melt away the rough edges. Ah....
I can only sit for so long before my body just pops up, wanting to move. However, I now have a favorite chair in the sunroom that sits in the SE corner. Perfect to greet the day and get energized to go gardening and feel the suns warmth in winter and take a cat nap. A beach chair with or without a book at Napatree was always a favorite.
Napatree! Now there's a place I could sit in a chair - as long as I walk the beach first. I like that you have a sunroom chair that serves as both a place to relax and to re-energize. Chairs can switch hats, right? My desk chair is a working chair in the morning, but it becomes a chair to chat from in the evening. Nice to hear from you, Maggy!
Nineteen years ago I moved to Dallas and knowing few people I used to walk around White Rock Lake famous for small sail boats, joggers, and racing attire adorned bicyclists. As the walk was over ten miles I would stop and rest on various benches along the way that looked over the lake toward the Dallas skyline. It can be a peaceful, tranquil place and sometimes I would bring a book. It is a good combination of activity and rest.
That’s a great walk - and benches along the way helped make it so. To be given permission to sit is a luxurious allowance, as well as simple and thoughtful
I love this, and it has motivated me to see the museum! I believe in "mindful sitting," in contemplating the beauty that surrounds my home, listening to birdsong, simply appreciating the fact that I feel well, that I am pain free and grateful for that. There is a place for sitting, and I enjoy it.
Yes, go to the New Britain Museum of American Art. In the photos of two of the benches, you will see some of the offerings in the background, including the stunning portrait of a woman in a flowing orange dress - not painted by John Singer Sargent, but by someone clearly as talented. This is a reminder to me how subjective art can be, and how lucky some artists have been.
And how lucky we are to see it all!
Susan, This is the first one of your pieces to which I could fully relate. Of course I was sitting as I read it, but you have presented an interesting idea; all seats don't have to be boring chairs or sofas. But where do I find something bizzare enough to qualify. Maybe the search is, in fact, the best part.
Robin
Hello Robin! I'm glad to know that you, too, are interested in, well, interesting seating. I was so taken by that bear bench, I wanted to bring it home. And yet, there is something about not owning the item of fascination that makes it, well, more fascinating!
I am always impressed with your energy and your need for motion Susan. It is inspiring to me and a good reminder that I possibly sit too much! However, I also have spent time on Koshlong with you, sitting in all the many places that bring peace, tranquility and different views of the lake or sitting at the games table to play fun board games. I also know that you love to sit at a potters wheel and create beautiful things.
I love the Koshlong sitting areas - and we seem to enjoy all of them during our visits. (I can definitely sit longer on the shore of a perfect Ontario lake than I can elsewhere...) Games are definitely a good reason to sit, as well as creating pottery at the wheel. I was in the studio this afternoon, and I did not get weary of sitting.
I have never owned either a large leather La-Z-Boy recliner or a high-tech "massage chair". I think they are expensive and take up a lot of space. I like to picture one with end table and a floor reading lamp (and no TV in front of it). Does anyone have this kind of set up? What do you think of it?
I might like one of those chairs because 1) my feet would be up, and 2) I would be half sitting and half lying down. That could be the sweet spot - and very conducive to napping.
NAP! Yes, that would work for me.
Yes to an afternoon nap in a recliner!