Do you have a hobby?

I don’t have a hobby. I do not like that feeling now. A close reflection of my past time shows that my mind is pre occupied with loads and loads of work and only work. I was always concluding that I don’t have any time to pick up anything new other than work.

I intended to pursue some hobbies, tried to learn guitar, keyboard and started morning walk for some time, but nothing evolved to become my interest or a routine which I enjoy and miss it if I am not doing it. When I analyse why I was failing in it, there is a great answer “ I don’t have time”. Blame it on work. Frankly, it appears even my mind was happy with that answer.

In a new environment, my interactions with people showed me how people are pursing hobbies and the activities of their interest so passionately. The characters in Zindagi Na milegi doobara really exist. They are having a rich time other than their routines.

I’ve come across a person who is an avid blogger. My cousin brother, whose interest is Sanskrit and works of kalidaas has gained in-depth knowledge on these two along with astrology, just by pursuing them in spare time. One of my friend’s friend, draws figures of the people not seen by him, out of the images created in his mind based on the information he had heard or known on them. This appeared to be strange but when I was shown one of the pictures drawn by him, it was damn interesting. The passion with which they pursue this is not superficial, but intense.

One of my colleagues pursues along with singing, a hobby of going for long drives in the early mornings between 0200 hrs to 0400 Hrs. He looked to me like a crazy fellow, but he shares that he enjoys it a lot. Another one likes adventure sports with blood pumping and adrenaline flowing. Last month he along with some friends had went for  a 5 minute paragliding after climbing the hill for three hours.  The effort goes to fulfill these hobbies / passions do not come easy, but only with lot of pain and determination.

What does one gain with pursuing hobbies— the answers for this question hit me right in my face. You are living your life to an extent the way you wanted to live. They bring balance and harmony to our life. It can uncover some of the natural talents that one may have with in buried under. Pursuing favorites can also broaden the social network. I had started to write this blog and already made a dozen of new friends.

One important thing which my friend said to me was that he pursues singing as a hobby and that it is helping him to reduce his stress levels. Whenever he is under stress / tension, he shuts him off from the regular chores and starts to sing his favorite tunes.

 Also, pursuing hobbies brings the creator, innovator and the artist in us out. I have decided to pursue a hobby (started with writing) and want to have something other than work in life.

If you are one among the few who are actively pursuing a hobby, you are very lucky and congratulations to you. If you are not the one, spare a thought and start one.

Your views and thoughts are welcome….