Health and Wellness Article - June 2008Defining leisure
“He enjoys true leisure who has time to improve his soul’s estate.”
It may be hard to realize the importance of leisure as one of the personal drivers that defines whole-person wellness for an individual, but the value of this key component is distinct. Both in the research and in the lives of people who are dedicating time and attention to the pursuit of their “personal” definition of leisure, there is a life satisfaction benefit that is unlike any other.
While people describe their individual pursuits of leisure differently, all events and interests hold one attribute in common. Comments collected from interviews with colleagues, friends, and others include:
- “Uninterrupted time to read a book/newspaper/magazine in the comfort of my favorite chair.”
- “Writing [my prose/poetry/journal].”
- “Traveling to a destination that I have longed to see or revisit.”
- “Baking with my grandchildren and their friends.”
The one attribute in common? All of the responses reflect a personal journey to pleasure, memories, and fulfillment. These are the moments we all remember and revisit when the pressures and challenges of the normal routine crowd in on well-being and create tension and fatigue.
To find out more about the pursuit of leisure through life enrichment and wellness program offerings and events at Touchmark, contact the director of Life Enrichment/Wellness. We invite you to spend time “to improve [your] soul’s estate.”
© 2008 Touchmark