On leisure time

The Utne has such good fodder for discussion and thoughts on life. In this latest issue, there are a series of articles on rest, leisure time and America’s obsession with production.

“We are increasingly aware that capitalism is failing to make sense of our lives; money is not making us happy. But many of us who are ready to change are not aware of any alternative. So we carry on rushing around, making money, buying temporary happiness. In a culture so dependent on activity – on consuming, producing, and achieving – rest becomes a radical form of protest and a catalyst for change.

I wrote in my green brain recently (a small, green notebook used to record random thoughts), that everyone talks about seizing the day and very few people seem to do it. Now, of course there are class issues that imminently drive this matter. Those who have, have lots of time and choice about that time. People living in poverty have very little time and choice. For me, I have an abundance of leisure time, particularly now. I have been trying to learn how to relax. To be ok with spending the day walking with friends, hanging out in the park, reading a magazine. It has not been easy. I am my father’s child and have trouble slowing down and when I do, I have tremendous guilt. I am getting better at it.

Slowing down and taking time to enjoy small things is something I would like to be more deliberate about. I believe it will make me calmer, more thoughtful, less stressed out, more forgiving, peaceful, and sane.

I have also been much more deliberate about how I spend money. I make myself think much more intentionally about how and where I spend my money. I make myself say, ‘do I need this?’ multiple times before I buy something. It has been working. I am spending less. Except on travel. I still spend lots of money on travel. I haven’t decided yet if that is a good or bad thing.