Leisure

It's that time of year when many folks are planning excursions that take them away from the grind of work and daily demands. Indeed, the pursuit of leisure lends itself to a variety of manifestations. For instance, camping is relaxing to some. To others, it feels like work to set up tents, prepare meals, swat mosquitoes and trudge through grassy trails in search of an outhouse.

Disneyland is viewed by many families as the ultimate get-away with it's incessant array of activities and entertainment options. On the other hand, the explosion of sensory happenings, the long, snaking queues and the parade of mouse ears and princesses can be disconcerting to others.

My definition of leisure does not include tent poles, amusement rides, gift shops or swarms of people. Leisure is:
* not setting an alarm clock. Better yet, getting rid of clocks.

* listening to a silence that is punctuated only by scolding birds and croaking frogs.

* looking at a stack of books and having the time to read them, uninterrupted.

* taking until noon to slowly shower, get dressed and drink coffee.

* drinking coffee in the afternoon.

* taking a drive just to meander.

* going nowhere for a whole day.

* pondering nothing or everything while soaking in a beautiful mountain view.

* engaging in deliberate conversations.

* shutting off all technology, except the coffee pot.

* eating cheese curls in the morning.

* watching Casablanca for the thirteenth time.

Whether you are gathered around a snapping bonfire, cheering on your favorite ball team, reading a good book or sitting still on a veranda, I hope you are able to carve out a little leisure time this summer. Your soul will thank you for it.