When we form our leisure habits, we do so from our positive experiences within that pastime. Sometimes obstacles get in the way of our outdoor experiences which may prevent us from fully participating.
In the above photo, you can see the way to this beach is not only Narrow but precarious. These obstacles do NOT deter these windsurfers from having their day in the wind and water. Isn’t this nice of my hubby to carry my windsurf board back to the truck after a long day in the water?
Some of the obstacles we might face in our leisure pastimes are related to time and location. Other obstacles might be our perceptions of leisure and whether we have worked hard enough to earn the time. Still others experience fear when trying something new and that path to experiential learning becomes too narrow.
I like to think that these women climbers in this photo, not only earned their leisure time, but conquered their fears as they climbed this narrow way up the face of Lembert Dome in the Yosemite high country.
Why do we choose a narrow path to our leisure?
Abraham Maslow places the concept of “self-actualization” at the top of the “hierarchy of needs.”
Hungarian Psychologist, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, popularized the concept of “flow,” a highly focused mental state that can occur both in leisure and work. Flow is the sense of effortless action people feel in moments that stand out as the best in their lives.
Achieving flow is often referred to as being “in the zone.”
Subconsciously, we want to achieve “flow” or self-actualization when participating in any form of leisure activity, whether it is something relaxing like reading, or whether it is participating in an active sport or game
The physical and mental challenges afforded by both windsurfing and climbing, depicted in these photos, paves that narrow path with gold, so that flow can be achieved.
When crafting this post, I came upon this quote from Matthew 7:14:
Narrow is the road that leads to life and only a few find it.
When I read this, I understand how true this is. If we equate leisure with life, we let too many obstacles get in the way of living our lives to the fullest. The path to happiness and fulfillment may indeed be narrow, but it is one worth taking.
The Weekly Photo Challenge is available to all bloggers and posts every Friday.
What obstacles prevent you from experiencing your well-earned leisure time?
Thanks for reading!
Excellently written, Terri. I’m proud of you.
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Why, thank you, Janet 🙂
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Bad knees, bad ankle, no backup. Still I do find my time in nature, wonderful, if not as testing.
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April, windsurfing has almost broken me, but when I get a great session on the water, there is nothing like it. I wrecked my knee hiking last year in Oregon…that’s what prescription-strength ibuprofen is for, LOL! Glad you don’t let those things stop you!
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I am way beyond rx ibuprofen. Take care of those joints.
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Sorry to hear that April! I definitely pick my battles these days!
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I feel that the reason why I could not fully enjoy my leisure time is due to the fact that I feel guilty when doing it. I would love to go out and have fun while doing physical activities like kayaking or rock climbing but there are always the feeling of not being able to fully enjoy it while something is on my mind. The intense guilt is not healthy and I think that I need to balance it out with my work, school and leisure. Thanks for the great post and much love.
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Oh that makes me sad, Izrael. Leisure should ease the feelings of guilt and provide an escape. As a leisure educator, I give you permission to go have fun and enjoy it! Thanks for sharing!
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Time is such a factor in most peoples lives. They don’t realize that if they make time for leisure their health and happiness will improve. Thanks for another great read Terri. Love the photos.
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Thanks, Sue! Your singing my song, girl!
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A wonderful article, Terri, and very thought-provoking with very original ideas. I’m not someone to take physical risks, although I love exercising. But I do try to take risks in my other leisure activities and live life to the full.
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Thank you, so much, Toni! You sound like you’re on the right track for your activities. Did you know that I teach these same leisure concepts in university curriculum in the Parks and Recreation Major? It’s pretty much a part of me 🙂
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That sounds fantastic, Terri – those students are lucky to have you. We’re only on this earth for such a short time – we should make the most of every moment.
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Thanks, Toni!
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Mine is time. That’s something I’m working on in 2016 and going forward. Even if it’s day trips out of time, I need to make sure that I’m enjoying my leisure time and unplugging from the world.
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Time is a big barrier for most of us. You are on the right track 🙂
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Right now mosquitos are our barrier. They are thick, swarming and bite through the Off. Yesterday I heard two women at the gym discussing giving up on their gardens because of the mosquitos. Two more inches of rain last night, so they will be around a few more weeks!
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Beautiful photos, Terri!
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Thanks, PJ!
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I love this Terri! I do struggle with taking leisure time since I still work. I run my own company and I am the boss yet I have to talk myself into taking a few hours to meet with a friend, go on a bike ride everyday and take time to enjoy my garden. As much as I can and like to get into a zone on a business issue, I like to balance getting into a zone of leisure activity too as just important!
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Thank you, Haralee! Your hobbies sound fantastic!
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Lovely photos Terri. And you’re a lot braver than I taking to the water on a board. 🙂
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Thanks so much, Debbie!
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🙂
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Love this parallel and terrific images.
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Thanks, Roos!
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I’m not so much into adventure sports,Terri, but I do admire those who push the limits. A great reminder to be brave though.
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Hi Terri! I have never (yet) tried windsurfing but it is certainly has it’s appeal. Through the years Thom and I have tried a number of things. Probably our most adventurous was scuba diving. It was fun but Thom got tired of carrying all the stuff for me. And while I’m all of trying new things, I do tend to be a “fair-weather” leisure person. If it is too hot or too cold I’m not that interested! Still, I can’t imagine life without being able to get out and do things at whatever speed I’m capable of….regardless of whether it is narrow or wide! Thanks for making me think about it! ~Kathy
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Scuba would be fun to try. I have trouble clearing my ears, though! As long as we have breath, we will enjoy our leisure regardless of what it looks like 🙂
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A thought provoking post, Terri, and I really like the picture of your husband carrying your board. Super composition!
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Thank you, Skip!!
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Dear Terri, I have nominated you for the One Lovely Blog Award. Participation is optional. You can read about it here: https://tonipike.com/2016/08/10/one-lovely-blog-award/
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Thank you, Toni!
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