I had a friend who urged me to attend a demolition derby last Saturday. Naturally, I initially thought that I was too sophisticated for such an event and declined the invitation by claiming I had to work, which was true.
However, my friend persisted and attempted to guilt-trip me into going. He argued that people typically engage in enjoyable activities during Labor Day weekend instead of working more.
While my argument had more validity and I believed I was right, I had to admit that I had never been to a demolition derby. Did I truly want to go? Not really. Nonetheless, in a small corner of my mind, I could envision us sitting on bleachers, munching on a hot dog, and sharing a beer. I would inquire, “Why choose demolition? I’m not a fan of violent pastimes. It seems like a waste of cars and time. Nothing meaningful is achieved.”
And he would respond with enthusiasm, ignoring my complaints rooted in a Protestant work ethic, saying, “Wait, watch this one; it’s going to be spectacular.”
However, I had already made it clear that I did not want to go. Besides, I had an extensive to-do list for the weekend which did not include activities like yoga, biking, swimming in a lake, or enjoying burgers and potato salad. I had work to complete.
Work, often considered the “opiate of the people,” can be seen as a form of both productivity and escape. In an essay by Zena Hitz for The Plough, she quotes fourth-century Bishop Augustine of Hippo as he laments the lack of time for pleasure. Augustine questions why people hesitate to explore leisure and unlock its potential. He suggests that individuals prioritize their students in the mornings and wonder how they should spend the remaining hours. When would they find time to see influential friends whose support they need? When should they prepare materials that students are paying for? When can they give their minds a break from the strain of worries?
Hitz delves into the concept of leisure and its significance for human beings. She explains that leisure is not merely a break from real life, an opportunity to rest and rejuvenate before returning to work. True leisure represents the pinnacle of a fulfilled life.
This implies that when I grow weary of work and engage in activities like playing solitaire or scrolling through Facebook, I am not truly immersing myself in leisure. Neither solitaire nor Facebook embodies the essence of a gratifying life.
But is work truly the crowning achievement of a lifetime?
Ironically, as I wrote this, my large and vociferous dog started barking at me. It was clear that he intended to communicate something. I asked him, “What do you want?” He approached me, nudging my wrist with his sizable snout and causing me to stop typing. He continued barking. Frustrated, I eventually responded, “I don’t have time right now. I’m working. I’ll play with you later.”
My cherished dog is already 12 years old, and it’s uncertain how many “laters” he has left.
To clarify, I love writing, and I enjoy working. I’m not saying that I truly desired to attend the demolition derby. However, I do acknowledge that being in the company of close friends often provides a sense of culmination and leisure. Sitting beside my friend on the bleachers, I might have experienced that feeling.
Because my self-accountable, goody two-shoes nature tied to a Protestant work ethic can grow quite lonely.
Hitz suggests that leisure is an interior discipline. It’s not enough to simply choose a central activity that inherently embodies leisure. One must recognize the value of leisure and actively seek it out.
But is it truly acceptable to do so?
I think I’ll go and ask my dog.
Jo Page is a writer and Lutheran minister. She can be reached at [email protected].
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