When Gallup released their book, Well-Being: The Five Essential Elements, the researchers included a study on the most enjoyable activities. These 10 ranked highest:
- Listening to music
- Playing with children
- Attending sporting event
- Hunting, fishing, boating, hiking
- Parties or receptions
- Purchase personal services
- General out-of-home leisure
- Cafe or bar
- Sports or exercise
- Worship or religious acts
I found it interesting that 70% of the activities on this list usually occur in the company of others. (And interestingly, 80% of the least enjoyable activities did not involve others.)
What comes to your mind first when I say the word “rest”? I normally picture myself lying down, alone, without a care in the world. Is that rest? Yes, absolutely. And it sounds pretty good, doesn’t it? But often times, what I need to really recharge, is quality time with people. I need shared experiences. I need meaningful dialogue and the opportunity to connect at a deeper level with someone who knows me and cares about what’s happening in my life. That’s a little more difficult to find than a hammock in the shade.
This topic might seem out of place when talking about rest. But I include it here because it’s a legitimate need in your liItsfe. And without it, you’ll find yourself weary and worn out. And you might not know why.
I’ve always found it strange that so many of Hollywood’s elite struggle with depression, substance abuse, and thoughts of suicide. How could you feel so alone when hundreds of millions of people know your name? Unfortunately, so many of them don’t have a single person who really knows them for who they are and loves them anyway. But that’s really not that uncommon. One of my favorite proverbs says this:
“Many a man claims to have unfailing love, but a faithful man who can find?”
It’s not easy to find someone who will love you no matter what. It’s not easy find someone who will love you consistently, through thick and thin. Of course, it’s not easy to be that person either, is it? In fact, there is only one person who has ever walked this planet who has done it perfectly. But he set the bar for me. I still fail often. But I want to love faithfully and consistently. And I want to join in a community of people who do the same. It’s not only a desire for me. But I believe it’s a necessity for all us – if we really want to experience the greatest possible fullness of life. If we really want to be well.
Joe, this article is my favorite of the series, so far! “I need shared experiences. I need meaningful dialogue and the opportunity to connect at a deeper level with someone who knows me and cares about what’s happening in my life.” I am especially aware of the truth of this right now, living in a new city, looking for work, spending the vast majority of my time alone. I can “rest” (lie down alone without a care in the world) any time I want. But without the shared experiences, this kind of rest is pretty meaningless as far as recharging. It’s like a crank-operated camping lantern – for the light to shine, you need movement and activity, you can’t just flip the “on” switch and expect something to happen. Thanks!
Thanks for sharing that Jenifer! That’s a hard place to be. I’ve been there myself. I pray you find a group of people who invite you into authentic community. It often takes a desperate struggle to find it.
[…] LISTEN TO SOOTHING MUSIC : One of the best and enjoyable activity which helps in calm down or relaxing nature is to listen to music. Listening music psychologically […]