Music is the Silence Between Notes: How Mindful Leisure Recharges Life, Not Just Mondays

Engage in activities you love, particularly those involving your hands – cooking, painting, playing music, or writing. These pursuits offer more than just enjoyment; they provide

a) Creative Expression as a form of healing and being in a ‘Flow.’ Engaging in creative activities like painting, writing, or playing an instrument allows you to express emotions and thoughts that might not be easily articulated through words. This process of creation can be deeply therapeutic, reducing stress and anxiety, and fostering a sense of accomplishment and self-worth.

b) Cultivate Taste: If you are unsure about what interests you, then I suggest cultivating ‘taste’ by consuming the finest content (could be a book, film, music, or any such – recommended by the discerning) and writing a review/making a journal entry. This forces recall, thinking, and writing skills.

Being your whole self will show in your work every day and also prepare you for days when you choose not to work. After all, it took two decades to be ready for work, and you may need as much time to be ‘off’ work.

In medieval times, ‘men of leisure’ who did nothing were the wealthy and privileged, but in today’s stressed and anxious world, it is a necessity.

Start this weekend by practicing mindful leisure. The benefits will reflect in every aspect of your life, including your work.