(Title: I am One Who Finds Hope in the Storm)
I thought I’d illustrate this post with a photo of someone knitting. But in searching for photos of knitters - one of the first hobbies that popped into my mind - I find it a bit sad that almost ALL the photos on Unsplash were of very old women knitting, and most of them looked like they lived in countries very very different from the USA.
Huh.
Among some other very awful problems our country is currently afflicted with… we can add “lack of hobbies” to the list. Hobbies here defined as something we do purely for the Joy of It.
Full disclosure: I am not a knitter. And I’ve tried. I took to knitting for a short while as I find things to do with my hands therapeutic. But the “scarf” I created had too many yarns of various weights….and the thing came out in a triangle shape. Even the dog was not interested in using my creation - for anything.
But I have always found delight in colors, textures and shapes - so a number of years ago, I got interested in creating collage. And SoulCollage is a way into that hobby for me.
Sorting through a pile of magazines in search of images to create visual meaning might not be appealing to you - but here’s my point: In crazy times, finding SOMETHING to relieve the insanity, even just for a short while, and having something to show for it in the end, can be deeply satisfying.
I wonder if we’ve forgotten how to experience this kind of deeply intense losing ourselves in an activity we do not get paid for. If so, it’s past time that we reconnected that experience. Here’s a clarion call for you to seek that hobby out - whatever it may be. Here’s why:
Hobbies connect us with others pursuing the same endeavors
Hobbies are a continual process of learning, growing, and discovery
Because we don’t get paid for these efforts (and once we do, our relationship with our hobby will change) the “pressure” is off - we can become a kid again, we can experience the relief of “Beginner’s Mind”.
Find that hobby for yourself. Whatever is plaguing you will shut up for awhile.
Experiencing Joy in the face of hardship the best revenge.
I don't have any hobbies, but I do like working jigsaw puzzles. I also read a lot. I really enjoy working in my flower beds in the spring & summer.
I don't consider myself artistic but I recently asked an artist friend to give me private watercolor lessons and am dabbling in this creative endeavor to distract me yes, but to stir the part if me that needs to create .. im not very good but thats nit the point... its been fun!