Create a Wind Phone

Creating and placing a Wind Phone involves thinking through various important details. From selecting the materials and design to choosing the perfect location and ensuring accessibility, the details are important for creating a meaningful experience. There are essential aspects to remember when creating and placing a Wind Phone, ensuring it resonates deeply with those who seek solace and remembrance.

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Location Considerations:

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Choosing the "right" location for your Wind Phone is important and deserves careful thought. Itaru Sasaki, the creator of the original Wind Phone, highlighted the importance of placement: "You can't simply install a phone box anywhere and call it a Wind Phone. Specific conditions need to be met, and these must be cultivated..." Select a serene spot that gives visitors a sense of privacy for reflection, allowing them to express their emotions without feeling exposed. Peaceful locations like parks, gardens, natural preserves, and secluded areas encourage reflection and connection with nature. Incorporating symbolic elements such as the natural landscape will enhance the experience for the visitor.

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I frequently receive inquiries about the permissions needed to install a Wind Phone. Each potential location will likely have its own specific requirements and regulations for placement, depending on factors like land ownership, local regulations, and community guidelines.

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Placing a Wind Phone on Public Lands: 

For several reasons, obtaining the necessary permissions and permits to install a Wind Phone on public lands is crucial. First and foremost, it ensures that the installation complies with local regulations and land use policies, helping avoid potential legal issues. Gaining the support of relevant authorities not only demonstrates respect for the community and its resources but also fosters collaboration and goodwill. Additionally, proper approvals can facilitate access to maintenance and safety inspections, ensuring the Wind Phone remains a safe and welcoming space for visitors. Ultimately, securing proper permissions helps create a meaningful and lasting installation that can enrich the community while honoring the memory of loved ones.

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​To request permission to install a Wind Phone in a town or public property, contact the local government office, like the city or town hall. Engaging with the Parks and Recreation Department is also helpful, particularly if you intend to install the phone in a public park. Additionally, contacting community leaders, such as the mayor or town council members, can help garner support and streamline the approval process. Collaborating with local grief support organizations can further enhance your Wind Phone project's credibility and community involvement.

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I developed Wind Phone request letter templates and a brochure titled "Proposal to Install a Wind Phone" to assist creators in seeking location approval for their Wind Phones. The brochure outlines the purpose and significance of Wind Phones, providing essential information and compelling reasons to gain support from local authorities or property owners. It is a valuable resource for anyone looking to promote this meaningful project in their community. It is available to download here. The letter templates can be found here.

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Placing a Wind Phone on Private Property:

When installing a Wind Phone on your property, it is essential to consider your liability in case someone gets hurt while visiting. Ensuring safety measures can help prevent accidents and protect both visitors and you. This may involve assessing the surrounding area for hazards, providing clear signage, and maintaining the installation regularly. By being proactive about safety, you not only foster a welcoming environment but also mitigate potential legal risks associated with injuries on your property. I am not a lawyer or insurance expert, so I advise consulting with one as part of your planning process.​

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Tips for Choosing a Location in Your Community

• Engage residents, hospice centers, hospitals, funeral homes, cemeteries, grief support groups, spiritual or cultural organizations, or other interested parties in the planning and location decisions for the Wind Phone. This involvement will help ensure that the placement aligns with the needs and sentiments of your community

• Gather input on possible locations and be open to concerns or suggestions from those interested in assisting with placing the Wind Phone.

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Choosing Your Phone

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The type of phone you choose for your Wind Phone is a personal decision and entirely up to you, with no set rules to follow. Rotary phones are often the preferred choice for Wind Phones. That said, there is a reason for this. There is something deeply therapeutic about picking up the handset, holding the receiver to your ear as the coiled cord swings beside you, placing your index finger in the circle next to a number, and rotating the dial until it reaches the stop. You can hear the familiar clicks as the wheel returns to its starting position, ready for you to begin dialing the next digit. Rotary phones have a distinct aesthetic that can enhance the artistic design of the Wind Phone installation. Combining a rotary phone with a contemporary concept like a Wind Phone provides a creative touch that can appeal to people of all ages.

 

My research has shown that rotary phones carry significant symbolism and evoke a sense of nostalgia and connection. Here are several reasons why this choice is commonly favored:​

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The Power of Nostalgic

• Rotary phones can bring back memories of simpler times and earlier communication methods, creating a more personal and reflective experience.

• For many, rotary phones are tied to childhood memories or loved ones, deepening the emotional connection to the Wind Phone.

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Rotary Phones Offer a Tactile Experience

• Dialing a rotary phone provides a physical, tactile experience that encourages users to interact with the device mindfully. A tactile experience refers to the physical sensation and interaction through touch. This type of experience can evoke emotional responses, enhance memories, and create a deeper connection to the object or activity, as it often involves active participation rather than passive observation. Using a rotary phone consists in feeling the handset's weight, the resistance of the dial, and the clicks as numbers are dialed, making the interaction more immersive and personal.

• The slower process of dialing allows for moments of reflection and contemplation.

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Rotary Phones are Symbolic

• A rotary phone represents the act of reaching out to someone, making it a meaningful metaphor for communicating with loved ones who have passed on.

• A rotary phone serves as a link between the present and the past, acting as a bridge that offers visitors a tangible means to share their feelings and thoughts with their loved ones.

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Finding Authentic Rotary Phones

Genuine rotary phones are more challenging to find today, as production ceased in the late 1960s with the advent of touch-tone phones, which took over in the 1970s. Unfortunately, replicas often do not match the original and lack the authentic dial mechanism. So, where can you find one? I typically see them on Facebook Marketplace, eBay, garage sales, and flea markets. Feel free to reach out if you need assistance—I would be happy to help you find one!.

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Additionally, asking around might reveal that someone you know has one they are willing to donate. I gladly welcome donations of rotary phones to support Wind Phone creators in their meaningful projects. Please contact me if you are interested in donating!

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Wind Phone Housing 

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When designing your Wind Phone, one important consideration is how you'll house the rotary phone itself. Think about whether you want an open box structure that allows for easy access and visibility or if you'd prefer a more enclosed design for added protection. If you anticipate needing to bring the phone inside during bad weather, an enclosed option might be more practical. On the other hand, if you're comfortable leaving it out in all kinds of weather, an open design could enhance the experience by making it more inviting. Consider your local climate and the overall aesthetic you want to achieve as you decide. ​

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​I receive many questions about attaching Wind Phones to trees. I am not a tree expert by any means—I don’t know much about trees at all! So, I reached out to my childhood friend, David Riley, a highly regarded landscape architect with extensive experience in the Seattle area.* His insights have been invaluable, and I am grateful for his expertise. Read David's thoughts in the Wind Blog.

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​​​​​​​​​​Wind Phone Signage 

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​​There is no single way to create a sign for your Wind Phone; the possibilities are limitless. Whether you opt for a simple handwritten message or a beautifully designed display, the choice is yours. Feel free to express your unique vision and style, making the sign reflect your connection to the Wind Phone and its purpose.  Thoughtful signage that explains the purpose and assists visitors in their Wind Phone experience is appreciated. Let your imagination guide you! The Wind Phone Sign Gallery may be helpful to you as well. 

 

I have Wind Phone sign options that you are welcome to use. If you directly quote, excerpt, or reproduce someone else’s work, please credit the writer by including their name on your sign. I am providing the My Wind Phone QR Code for your convenience, which you can download from this site, or I am happy to email it to you. The QR Code enables your visitors to discover the rich history of the Wind Phone, find yours again, and explore others listed on the map across the world. Perhaps your Wind Phone will inspire them to create one of their own!

 

 

Items Sometimes Found at a Wind Phone 

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Having a journal near your Wind Phone for visitors to share their experiences adds a meaningful touch to the space. It provides another way for people to express their thoughts and emotions. If visitors glance through the journal entries of others, they often find comfort and reassurance, reminding people that they are not alone in their grief.

 

Wind Phones can often be found next to poetry boards and food pantries. Some creators paint colorful rocks with the names of loved ones and place them around the base, while others set up lending libraries filled with books about grief for all ages. You might also see hand sanitizer, tissues, and sometimes a vase of flowers. Feel free to personalize your Wind Phone in any way that feels meaningful to you.

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Resources for Creators and Stewards of Wind Phones

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Inspiration from our Wind Phone Creators

Another great source of inspiration comes directly from our many Wind Phone creators. I regularly showcase a "Featured Wind Phone" on the My Wind Phone Blog. These Wind Phone creators and stewards provide valuable insights for anyone thinking about creating and placing a Wind Phone in their community. You can explore the Featured Wind Phones here, and Wind Phone creators also share their experiences in the My Wind Phone Creator Series, which can be found here.

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Template Request Letters for Placing a Wind Phone

I created template request letters to facilitate the process of placing a Wind Phone. These letters can serve as a guide if you seek permission from property owners or local authorities, outlining the purpose and significance of a Wind Phone installation. By providing a clear and concise format, these templates help streamline communication and ensure that key points are effectively conveyed, making it easier for creators to gain support for their Wind Phone projects.

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Wind Phone Signs you may Print and Post

I have Wind Phone sign options that you are welcome to use. If you directly quote, excerpt, or reproduce someone else’s work, please credit the writer by including their name on your sign.

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Brochures to Support Wind Phone Creators

I created a range of brochures to support Wind Phone creators, including a concise one-page brochure and a bi-fold version about Wind Phones. One of these brochures is titled "Proposal to Install a Wind Phone," designed to assist individuals in securing location approval by outlining the significance and benefits of the installation. Another brochure, "The Wind Listens: How Wind Phones Help Children Heal," focuses on the therapeutic aspects of Wind Phones specifically for children, highlighting how these installations can provide comfort and support in their healing journeys. These resources aim to empower creators with the information they need to promote their Wind Phone projects within their communities effectively.