Parkinson's: Leisure Time
Often, I feel leisure and hobbies are missing from my life. Or are they?
Andrew asked us what our Hobbies were. I said reading. I've always read for fun, pleasure, and knowledge. When I didn't know what else to do, it was something to do. It seemed a bit of a paltry (like that word) answer to me. At one point in my life I decided to stop reading for a while. I felt it was a mind-numbing drug, because I often consumed words without thinking about them or growing from them. Hmmm. I don't remember what happened with that experiment. I continue to read. A lot.
One of the most interesting answers came from Paul, who quietly laughed and said exercise was his hobby. I would never have said EXERCISE was my hobby. To me it is a chore, a vital 'must do' these Parkinson's days. But a Hobby? Done for pleasure? I wonder if I could re-frame the thought so I could think of it as a pleasure for me? For one thing, in these Pandemic days of slim time for friendship, it brings me contacts with other people. I love that. Nancy, REMEMBER recognizing the pleasures in your life is important.
I did realize, in the middle of the night, that this blog
could be considered a hobby. It certainly brings me pleasure. Thank you for reading it!
Margie and Lee said that writing fiction was their hobby. Which seemed like a wonderful hobby to an avid reader. I'm curious, what do you like to write about?
“Hobby,” I've never liked that word. It seemed to trivialize whatever it was describing.
But I have a feeling that is an American bias-the work ethic-
The-value-in-whatever-you-do, -must-be-in earning-money-for-doing-it.
Or-because-it-is-a-good-thing-to-do-for-others.
I think I got that from my Depression Era parents. On the other hand, I
can think of many things they did for the pure joy of it.
I'm screwed, I can't even blame my parents! I don't know why the idea of leisure and
hobbies are so hard for me to accept.
But Andrew, I'll value and choose to seek them out
and to do them!
How do you feel about the idea of leisure and hobbies? Are they important in your life?
What are your Hobbies?
Cheers,
From Nancy and the Snark
Footnotes From Corrine
Love this post. Well, all of them, but reading is so dear to my heart. The picture of Nancy walking down the street while reading made my morning. Also dislike the word hobby as it trivializes. People now talk about their passions and that is better. Especially when reading (and writing) are their passions!
ReplyDeleteThank you for reading the blog!
DeleteI really enjoy your blog! Thanks for doing it. I love to read too, although it's not easy for me. I also like to write (mostly memoirs/ essays) , and I am fortunate to be working at being the best dog trainer I can be, and I love that (it motivates and requires me to live a healthy life despite that p d. I tell dogs, "see that shake, it's okay." ) Love , Peace and Health, Neil
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading the blog Neil. Do you ever let others read your esseys or memoirs? I'd love to read something of yours!
Deletecheers,
Nancy
Thanks. I'll send something soon. take care
DeleteLeisure time? What a concept! I guess I always feel like I'm "on," no matter what I am doing. Even reading. It feels like there is always something going on, like every moment I am on Earth is part of my "job." Maybe that is because I feel so connected to the metaphysical realm. That may not make sense to you, but it does to me, and I am grateful that it came up.
ReplyDeleteI guess I would define "hobby" as something I do somewhat regularly that I enjoy and therefore choose to do. Hmmmm, let's see, something I do for the pure enjoyment of it...does sleeping count? I love to sleep. Maybe cooking? I used to walk in nature every day, but I have ceased doing that during the winter months. I'd like to start painting, but art has become a business and I have a hard time separating myself from the business aspect of it. Maybe I could adjust my thinking back to approaching all art as a hobby first, and if I happen to produce something desirable to someone else, then there's no reason I can'r sell it. I think the key is the passion -- what do I feel passionate about? What feeds my passion? That is what I seem to have lost and am searching for. Passionate engagement is the key, me thinks, to a successful hobby. And to a successful life. I'll have to give it more thought. Thanks for bringing up the subject. Once again, it was just what I needed. Love you. Amy
Hi Amy, 2 times in th ecomments, passion has come up while discussing the concept of hobbies
DeleteI think it is used instead of the word Hobbies. Words are so juicy. I love the word psssionate- it is so bold and wild sounding. Hope you fine your new passion soon Amy.
I think I like passion much better too. Hobby just implies an amusing pastime whereas passion for what you do is much deeper and richer for the soul.
DeletePassion! Um, let me think. Does walking the pupsters count.
ReplyDeleteThey love the walks as I do. It's not a hobby, that's for sure. The dogs are passionate about their walks. A necessity for sure.
Reading! I recently went back to reading. On the last book in a 5 book series.
Fencing could be a hobby. But I'm not there yet. Just starting with the stances and the exercises.
Whatever it is, find something just for you, and start.
Audio books, while walking the chiwauwa's while stopping in Japanese fencing poses.
Did you know, Laughing, that's good for the sole,
uses far less facial muscles, than does a frown. Yep, it's true!
Bye for now.
Hugs from Florida, A
Yes, walking the pupsters definitely counts. You obviously love them and love being with them. How is the fencing coming along?
DeleteTake care Annette, I will smile and think of you practicing a fencing pose while pausing for the dogs to sniff something!