Ever notice how time seems to stand still or disappear when you are in the middle of
a long time hobby or activity that you are passionate about? I both experienced this phenomenon and
observed it occurring this week.
For me, reading books meets both of the criteria mentioned. I have been an avid reader since I was
barely able to hold a book by myself and I am passionate about all types of
books – fiction and non-fiction. This
summer I assisted in starting a Bestsellers Book Discussion Group as part of
the learning-in-retirement organization that I participate in called
Omnilore. The first book to be reviewed
was The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.
It is the beginning of an exciting trilogy for the teen/young adult
audience with plenty of strong action, adventure, and messages to also draw in adults. While not part of the discussion, I continued
and read the second book, Catching Fire.
Then, the third and last book of
the trilogy, Mockingjay, became available to read. I sat down to read it about
8:30 in the morning; the next time I looked, it was 2:30 in the afternoon. However, in less than 60 seconds after closing the
book, all those delayed functions like eating and bathroom breaks cried out for
immediate attention. Reality at that
moment was competing with the fictional environment to which I had been
transported.
Today, I witnessed this same level of total engagement in a long
standing hobby as my husband, Dennis, watched the Wimbledon Men's Final Tennis
Championship Match between Andy Murray and Roger Federer being played. For over 60 years, tennis has been a key part
in his life with his current weekly games providing social time with friends,
as well as physical activity. As the
final match progressed, he was transported to court side and avidly
concentrated on each players’ moves oblivious to all else around him. At the finish as he turned off the
television, his face registered that same look of sudden comprehension with his
return to reality.
Did time stand still? It
certainly felt that way to both of us.
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ReplyDeleteWhy do you think time stood still?
ReplyDeleteThe activities we each were involved in are important to us and it is so pleasant when we are engaged with them that everything else disappears...including time.
DeleteI can so relate to that, Cindy! In a way those activities are like little "vacations!" Very nice post!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the comment and for showing me how to share my observations through blogging. I am enjoying the experience.
ReplyDelete