|
WORK, REST & PLAY: A SPIRITUALITY OF WORK & LEISURE
Dermot Tredget OSB
Drawing on a number of disciplines, predominantly theological and spiritual, the two morning
sessions will trace the historical development of work, rest and play and their interaction with
the economic, political and social dimension of people’s lives. Where did the concept of leisure
originate and how has it come to be one of the important and most profitable of human activities?
In spite of this the dominance of the work ethic, information technology and pressures on time
can make the target-driven workplace an unfriendly environment for people eager to achieve a life
style that is balanced and free from stress. Does work have to be toil and drudgery?
Can we develop coping strategies using leisure activities that make our workplace more spiritually
friendly and fulfilling?
For nearly fifteen centuries men and women living the monastic life have learned to live a life
dedicated to seeking God while at the same time adapting to their surroundings using the
principles laid out in the sixth century Rule of Benedict. Work, prayer and leisure in all their
different forms are balanced with each other. Through the consideration of selected extracts from
the Rule of Benedict the third session will examine how this can be done. In particular it will
explore the concept of otia monastica (monastic leisure) and its constituents: silence, rest,
solitude, Sabbath, reading and contemplation. How do these help the individual achieve an
appropriate work life balance?
The final session will draw on the learning from the three earlier sessions and explore how it
is possible to develop and sustain a spiritual life which integrates work, prayer and leisure;
more importantly a spirituality which can be adapted for our own needs irrespective of the kind
of work we do.
|
