Tip of the Week—Hobbies as Meditation

When most people hear about meditation, they tend to envision the stereotypical Hindu or Buddhist monk sitting cross-legged in Full Lotus, hands positioned a certain way and an aura of peaceful tranquility on the monk’s face.

While that is certainly one of the more traditional forms of meditation, whether or not you are a monk in such traditions, there are some people, like myself, who also look to not-so-traditional ways of relaxing meditatively.

Hence, my tip of the week: Hobbies as Meditation.

When you think about it, it’s not that strange an idea. For instance, one of my hobbies now is knitting, not just because it’s fun, but the constant rhythmic motion and flow of each repetitive stitch one makes can induce a light meditative state: the breath slows, the mind quiets down and your blood pressure lowers. It’s more effective if the TV is off, sure, but even while watching TV and knitting, you can still achieve some measure of meditative calm from knitting.

Other hobbies that can induce a calm, relaxed state include woodworking, playing a musical instrument, doing yoga or tai chi and others that I am sure I’ve not thought of yet. Swimming is another one of my favorites, though it comes more under the category of exercise, as it raises the heart rate. However, though it raises the heart rate, I’ve experienced a clearing of the mind and cleansing of the soul that other hobbies help achieve. Maybe it’s because I’m in the water, and water is one surefire way to calm an agitated mind.

Despite what some people might think, a bungee-jumping hobby isn’t exactly meditative. It may clear your mind, but most people do it solely for the adrenaline rush. Not what I would call a calming way to spend an hour or so, but then I’m not too sold on the idea of jumping off a high ledge with no protection but a safety harness and the bungee cord attached to the safety gear. Sky-diving isn’t exactly what I’d call meditative, either, though parachuting might be—if the parachute cord works properly on a consistent basis.

But whatever hobby you have that works to calm your mind, lower your blood pressure and heart rate and perhaps to achieve enlightenment at some point, as long as it works, I would say it’s all good.

BB,

Rev. Kat ^.^