It’s a “box of wonder,” and anyone from the Siena community can take from it or give to it.
The Mindful Nest is a new creative and conceptual space located just off the Chaplain’s Patio near the Chapel. If you’ve seen Little Free Libraries in your community where people can take and leave a book, the concept is similar, but Siena’s Mindful Nest has the potential to grow into something much more.
English major Kiera Mitru ’21 wanted to create a place on campus where students and staff “can share love, literature and writing.”
“I wanted to develop a very intentional space that was centered around Franciscan traditions,” she said.
Any member of the Siena community is free to stop at the cedar cabinet and leave a book, journal, note of encouragement or other little gift for others to take with them in the spirit of inspiration and love. If you have a zine, art project or poetry verse that you would like to send out into the world, stop by and leave it in the Mindful Nest.
“This space will grow into what our community needs it to be,” said Mitru.
The name Mindful Nest was chosen very deliberately, according to Judy Dougherty, director of the Franciscan Center for Service and Advocacy, which will curate the Nest.
“It’s a place for people to turn inward and contemplate, to listen to and validate their thoughts and feelings,” she said. “It also acknowledges St. Francis’ role as patron saint of animals and ecology.”
Mitru was inspired to create the Nest by her love of literature as well as her religious faith.
“I’ve found great strength as a woman in female-centered literature and I want to foster a sense of curiosity in others around topics of social justice, faith, feminism and more. I want people to be able to start conversations on these issues, and learn how to take actionable steps. It’s way for people to learn outside the classroom, to explore ideas that might not be included on a syllabus.”
She was especially inspired by the work of Audre Lorde, whose poetry she read at the Mindful Nest’s dedication on May 12.
The Nest, which will be open year round, features a bench and landscaping to encourage quiet contemplation. In honor of Mitru’s work, the FCSA included a plaque thanking her for her permanent contribution to the campus.
The following Facilities team members were instrumental in creating the Mindful Nest and its surrounding landscaping: Tom Busher, Cary Feltman, John Lasch, Tom Lipsky and Larry McGuirk.