At the beginning of the quarter I was asked what my definition of spirituality and leisure was. I believed that when a person spoke of spirituality, they referred to a relationship with God and one's religious beliefs and practices. Leisure was the act of doing something you enjoyed that was not work, for example, taking a vacation, reading a book or gardening. .
Let your life speak. This simple statement is the basis of Palmer's view of leisure and spirituality. The first chapter of his book reveals that there are "moments when it is clear - if I have eyes to see - that the life I am living is not the same as the life that wants to live in me" Palmer, pg. 2. Going through life is not the same as living. Listening to your inner self, the "river beneath the ice" Palmer, pg. 2, will lead to an understanding of what your life could be. "I must listen to my life telling me who I am. I must listen for the truths and values at the heart of my own identity, not the standards by which I must live - but the standards by which I cannot help but live if I am living my own life" Palmer, pg. 4. I need to live my life, not what I think my life should be or what others think life should be, but what makes me truly live - not just go through the motions. "The soul speaks its truth only under quiet, inviting, and trustworthy conditions. It is silence that forever invites us to fathom the meaning of our lives" Palmer, pg. 7-8.
I believe Palmer's view is that only in moments of leisure, the silent times, can a person become aware of their spiritual needs. Palmer's spirituality is the awareness of one's inner self.
De Mello views of spirituality and leisure are very similar to Palmer. The answers are within you. "Human beings react not to reality, but to ideas in their heads" De Mello, pg. 98. The first step to spirituality is an awareness of your views and values. Listening to your inner self for your true values, not what is defined by society and others.
