Hobbies

It is easy for us to lose our sense of self in life. We go through the day as a parent, then employee, then a partner and at the weekend we might become friend, son or daughter. One of the many paradoxes in life we have to work out is how we can live both separately and together with others. Finding something in our lives which speaks to us and is for us alone can really provide a grounding sense of self.

A hobby or perhaps interest is a better word, has multiple benefits. It confirms more about who we are to ourselves; broadening our understanding of what we relate to. Participating in our interests with others who are like minded provides a sense of belonging – ‘my tribe’.

Any expansion to the number of people we come into contact with in our lives through pursuing interests on a regular basis will ultimately increase the compassion and tolerance we feel towards the world at large.

It can also cultivate a sense of curiosity and a playful approach to life. Finding things we enjoy reminds us that when we go looking for it, life can throw up any number of things for us which may capture our imaginations and keep us engaged.

For those of us in relationships it can keep in check the potential that is always there for couples to merge into one and other. For those who are on their own it builds a life around the individual which is comforting, fulfilling, hopefully sociable – all of which is a desirable thing to have established should finding a partner become something to think about, ‘here is someone who has their own life’.  

Visit the ‘Integrate’ part of my website for some ideas on what is out there.