Hello, dear friends!
I hope this blog finds you in a cheerful, unhurried mood—the kind where time stretches gently, and the mind feels open to reflection.
Today’s writing prompt, “What do you enjoy doing most in your leisure time?”, may sound simple at first glance, but the more I reflect on it, the more meaningful it becomes.
Leisure, after all, is not merely about filling empty hours; it is about discovering who we truly are when no one is demanding anything from us.
In today’s modern world, where every moment seems carefully scheduled and technology keeps us constantly connected, leisure time has gained even greater significance.
Notifications never stop, expectations multiply, and silence has become rare. In such a fast-paced environment, leisure offers a much-needed pause—a chance to step back from responsibilities and reconnect with ourselves through moments of introspection, creativity, and joy.
For me, leisure plays a vital role in maintaining overall well-being. Engaging in activities that bring genuine happiness and satisfaction positively influences my mental and emotional balance.
These moments help reduce stress, restore inner harmony, and create a sense of contentment.
The calm and joy I experience during my leisure time naturally spill over into other areas of life, strengthening relationships, improving productivity, and building emotional resilience.
Leisure, therefore, is not a period of idleness for me; it is a source of enrichment and rejuvenation.
It is where inspiration blooms, creativity flourishes, and a deep connection with the self is nurtured.
Through leisure, I find purpose and fulfillment that extend far beyond those quiet moments themselves.
I would now like to share a few activities that I truly cherish during my leisure time.
Mindful Creation through Art
Art, for me, is a powerful form of mindful creation.
Whether it is painting on a blank canvas, sketching delicate designs, or shaping forms from simple materials, the process goes far beyond artistic output.
It becomes a meditative journey where imagination flows freely and emotions find expression.
During these moments, the pursuit of perfection fades away. What matters is not the final result, but the joy of creation itself.
Each stroke becomes a reflection of thought and feeling, allowing the mind to relax and enter a state of deep mindfulness.
Art offers a space where words are unnecessary, yet stories are told—stories that resonate deeply and connect us beyond language.
The Art of Reading
Reading holds a special place in my leisure time. Nestled in a cozy corner with a cup of tea, I immerse myself in the world of books.
Whether exploring classic literature or getting lost in a gripping novel, every page turned opens the door to new perspectives.
Reading is more than a pastime; it is liberation from daily pressures and a journey of self-discovery.
The power of words to evoke emotions, provoke thought, and transport us across time and space is nothing short of magical.
In a world of constant scrolling, deep reading slows time and encourages empathy, reflection, and imagination.
Exploring Nature’s Canvas
Nature is another sanctuary I return to during my leisure hours. Stepping away from screens and city life to embrace the outdoors brings a profound sense of peace.
A few months ago, I had the opportunity to visit a jungle safari near Siliguri. As I moved along the forest trails, surrounded by rustling leaves and birdsong, I felt an undeniable sense of belonging within the vast tapestry of nature.
These moments not only rejuvenate the spirit but also awaken a deep responsibility to protect and preserve the environment.
Nature teaches patience, presence, and humility—lessons often forgotten in daily life.
Culinary Adventures
Cooking is both a passion and a pleasure for me. More than a necessity, it is a creative adventure filled with flavors, aromas, and experimentation.
Trying new recipes, blending ingredients, and sharing meals with loved ones bring immense joy and satisfaction. In my kitchen, leisure transforms into connection and creativity.
The Rhythmic Escape through Music
Music is my constant companion. In the evenings, calming melodies help me unwind and reflect. Music transcends boundaries, touches emotions, and creates moments of joy and nostalgia.
It connects hearts across cultures and generations, making leisure deeply enriching.
And finally, leisure is not a break from life—it is an essential part of it.
Whether through reading, writing, art, music, nature, or cooking, what we choose to do in our free time shapes our inner world. Leisure reconnects us with curiosity, creativity, and our authentic selves.
And perhaps that is the greatest joy of all—using our leisure time not just to rest, but to truly live.
BE HAPPY… BE ACTIVE… BE FOCUSED… BE ALIVE
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Categories: infotainment
Retiredकलम 
Wonderful contemplations!
For an academic exploration on the history (back to the Ancient Greeks and Medieval Scholastics) of the importance of the state of receptivity in and the rejuvenation from true “leisure” that you talk about in your piece, see “Leisure: The Basis of Culture” by Josef Pieper (1952).
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Thank you so much for this generous and insightful comment. I truly appreciate you drawing that connection so thoughtfully.
Josef Pieper’s Leisure: The Basis of Culture is a profound and illuminating work, and your reference beautifully deepens the conversation. His exploration of receptivity, contemplation, and true leisure—as something far richer than mere idleness—resonates deeply with what I was trying to express. It’s fascinating how these ideas trace back to the Ancient Greeks and the Medieval Scholastics, reminding us that renewal of the spirit has always been central to meaningful human life.
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very nice
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Thank you so much.
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What a wonderfully reflective post! I completely agree with your thoughts on how vital true leisure time is for overall well-being and reconnecting with our authentic selves.
I especially resonated with your description of mindful creation through art and how the pursuit of perfection fades away—it truly is a meditative process. I also find similar peace in reading, which is a perfect escape.
Thank you for sharing your passions and the beautiful reminder to be happy, active, focused, and alive!
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Thank you so much for this thoughtful and generous response. I’m really glad the reflection resonated with you.
That space where creation becomes mindful and the need for perfection quietly falls away is such a rare and nourishing place to be—
and it’s lovely to hear you find that same calm through reading.
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a little wonder and quiet reflection, ready to explore thoughts that linger and moments that matter.
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That’s a lovely place to be—open, unhurried, and attentive. 🌿 It feels like an invitation to slow down, to listen gently to what lingers beneath the surface, and to honor the small moments that quietly shape us.
A beautiful mindset for reflection and discovery.
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