"This is why it doesn't work to just install a phone box anywhere in the world and call it a Wind Phone. There are certain conditions that are necessary for it to work, and these have to be created."
-Itaru Sasaki
“There’s comfort in dialing the person that you love … it’s such a normal and ordinary task in everyday life.”
-Wind Phone Visitor
FAQ's
Wind Phones often spark curiosity, reflection, and sometimes the desire to create one. I've gathered answers to some of the questions visitors and creators often ask about what a Wind Phone is, what it feels like to use one, and how someone might thoughtfully create a space like this in their own community.
Whether you are simply curious, planning a visit, or feeling inspired to build a Wind Phone of your own, I hope these answers offer guidance and a deeper understanding of the quiet comfort these spaces can provide. If you don’t see your question here, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I'd love to hear from you.
A Wind Phone is connected to nowhere and everywhere at once. It's where those grieving can connect with their loved ones who died, letting their words be carried through the wind. Wind Phones are profoundly powerful as a source of comfort, hope, and support. Learn more here.
Use the My Wind Phone Map.
No, of course not. We’d sure love to have you. It's totally up to you.
Look to see if the contact information for the Wind Phone is under the Map on our website. You might also look on the sign/poster left by the Wind Phone for a contact; often, people add their social media account address where you can reach out. Feel free to contact me; I may have the person's information and will forward yours to them.
It's always best to ensure that your town doesn't have laws requiring permits, etc. Of course, being considerate of your neighbors/community is important.
It's always best to ensure that your town doesn't have laws requiring permits, etc. Of course, being considerate of your neighbors/community is important.
You can choose to share your name and email when you list your Wind Phone's location on the Map. I recommend considering creating an email specifically for your Wind Phone; it's helpful to provide one in case visitors want to reach out to you. If you add your Wind Phone to the Private Wind Phone Gallery, the only information shared is your state (and town if desired).
There are many amazing people and resources out there who may be willing to help. Reach out for help in your community, such as a local carpenter, a community center, youth group, or various clubs (ELKS, 4-H, Lions, Kiwanis, Rotary, VFW, etc.) There are ways to create one yourself, even if you aren't handy; if you'd like to brainstorm, please contact me.
Wind Phones are not religiously based, though they can feel spiritual or sacred to many who use them. Wind Phones have resonated with people of all faiths and none, across many cultures. They don’t promote any specific belief system—they simply offer a comforting ritual and a symbolic connection. For some, it feels spiritual. For others, it's therapeutic or poetic. But at their heart, Wind Phones are about love, memory, and healing, not religion.
You pick up the receiver and talk. You can say anything - words of love, regret, hope, memories, or sit in silence. There is no right or wrong way.
It’s intentionally unplugged. The call isn’t meant for this world. It’s symbolic - a way to speak your heart freely without needing a response.
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.
Creators/Stewards choose to share their locations on the My Wind Phone map. It will not be found on our Map if they don't wish to or decide to remove their site marker.
