The Challenge of Leisure
At this point in history when opposing political ideologies, backed by weapons which can annihilate all civilization, compete for the minds and hearts of men, we may be more sensitive to, if not more skillful in, preserving our freedoms. But once freedom is won, what are we to do with it? What does it hold for us? The advantages of freedom from want and fear, the freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom of assembly, and freedom of the press are all clear enough and we know what to do when they are ours. But having achieved all the these (with time to spare), will we know how to use this time to nourish and cultivate rather than to undermine individual freedom?
The individual can make his life daring, zestful, exciting, and adventuresome. He, with the help of God, can put his life together in new patterns and new images. The enthusiasms, the aspirations, and the intensities of purpose come at high tide when they come from within. Somebody else can teach us how to address the golf ball, but we have to hit it.
The road to happiness which is many things, must be, at least to some extent, along the route of affection given and service rendered in using our capacities to grow, in knowing and preserving beauty, and in not abusing our bodies and minds or using up our energies. A key might also be found in the feeling of kinship toward all living things - including other human beings.
Leisure ought to be the time for cultivating ourselves in the whole of creation. It is the life characterized more by simplicity than by luxury - more by understanding than by monetary gain. Someone has said, "Latent in leisure are forces for good." Re-creative living in leisure is living life at the top of the hill and to the fullest. It should concern everyone. It is the great proposition made to mankind and society - neither of which have any other choice except to use it well, or parish. The ultimate challenge of leisure is in the uncertainty which exists with its use.
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Adapted from thoughts by Charles Brightbill
The individual can make his life daring, zestful, exciting, and adventuresome. He, with the help of God, can put his life together in new patterns and new images. The enthusiasms, the aspirations, and the intensities of purpose come at high tide when they come from within. Somebody else can teach us how to address the golf ball, but we have to hit it.
The road to happiness which is many things, must be, at least to some extent, along the route of affection given and service rendered in using our capacities to grow, in knowing and preserving beauty, and in not abusing our bodies and minds or using up our energies. A key might also be found in the feeling of kinship toward all living things - including other human beings.
Leisure ought to be the time for cultivating ourselves in the whole of creation. It is the life characterized more by simplicity than by luxury - more by understanding than by monetary gain. Someone has said, "Latent in leisure are forces for good." Re-creative living in leisure is living life at the top of the hill and to the fullest. It should concern everyone. It is the great proposition made to mankind and society - neither of which have any other choice except to use it well, or parish. The ultimate challenge of leisure is in the uncertainty which exists with its use.
________
Adapted from thoughts by Charles Brightbill
posted by DrJ @ 11:13 AM
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