I was talking to a friend today about children and education and our society in general. She told me something that has made me think, a lot. She said there is a difference between leisure and entertainment.
Leisure, is quietly resting while doing something, sewing, reading, talking, playing piano, listening to music, gardening or using our minds in some way.
Entertainment is quietly letting something entertain us, T.V. (most, but not all of the mindless drivel that is shown on the tube these days) video games and movies.
Leisure rests us, quiets us, sooths our souls. Entertainment bores us, makes our minds restless and creates contention.
It made me think of the way I feel when I spend the day doing nothing, and the way my kids act when they are in front of the computer or T.V. all day. We are ornery, restless and contentious. Not all entertainment is bad, we need a little of it, but just a little. Our bodies, souls and families would be better served using our free time engaged in leisurely activities.
A most interesting point!
So, “unstringing our bow” would be doing leisurely activities, right? Something that is purposeful but relaxing, like crocheting? Maybe one girls’ leisure could be another girls’ entertainment! At our house, that’d be the case: one plays the guitar while others listen.
Hey, thanks for the insight!
I thnk listening to gutair music would be leisure, it isn’t brainless, it is enriching. There are a lot of things kids can do that isn’t brainless, riding bikes, playing house, exploring the back yard, reading, playing with blocks or trucks. The list is long!
Thanks for sharing your ideas. I’ve been trying to cut my boys way back on TV now that the newborn-craziness is dying down at our house. It’s amazing how differently they behave.
Sewing counts as leisure, right? 🙂
Amen! Let’s here it for meaningful leisure time. Today I think I’ll write a little, play piano, read a bit, play violin, listen to some music over dinner, cook with my son, and finish a skirt I’ve been working on.
I agree so much. I’ve been working on adding more leisure activities, as you call them, versus entertainment. With my kids especially I am trying to help them develop useful handicrafts, life skills and imagination instead of just letting them zone out. They are still young but like you said playing out side, books and blocks etc are all great for them.
This was a timely post for me–what you said is so very true!! I realized recently that the majority of my ‘down’ time was entertainment and it was making me restless and more stressed out.
Blessings, Aimee
Amen!
Thanks for the insight. I had never thought of the distinction before, but you are totally right. I need to reevaluate my entertainment vs. leisure time.
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Sarah
http://www.lyricsdigs.com