Sitting here at the idyllic Malat winery in the Wachau, with a glass of fine wine and a view over the rolling hills, you can't help but think about the concept of leisure. This leisure, this conscious, free time that you experience without rushing, without obligations - it is a valuable commodity that is far too often neglected in today's world. But why?
In a world where speed, efficiency and productivity seem to be the highest goals, something like leisure quickly fades into the background. "Higher, faster, further" - this credo not only shapes our working world, but also our free time. The calendar is packed with activities, appointments and "must-sees", even on vacation. But what gets left behind? What was once highly praised by philosophers such as Aristotle and Seneca: the art of idleness and the joy of time spent without an immediate goal.
The Forgotten Value of Leisure
Leisure means taking time to linger in the moment. It is not about the goal, but the path, not about reaching, but about experiencing. Ancient philosophers understood this as one of the highest states of human existence. Aristotle, for example, saw leisure as the key to wisdom, while Seneca emphasized that only in peace and serenity can man achieve his true greatness. Today, these insights seem to have been almost lost.
What would happen if we were to return to these values? If we - especially on vacation - were not concerned with ticking off as many items as possible on our to-do list, but allowed ourselves to simply "be"? This is exactly what I have become aware of again here at the Malat winery and hotel: the great value of leisure. The slowing down that comes from enjoying a great wine, for example, and knowing that a lot of love, work and time have gone into it. Time that the wine needs to develop its full maturity. And while I enjoy it, I notice that I also need this time for myself - free from appointments, free from obligations.
Leisure vs. Idleness: A Short Philosophical Excursion
It is interesting that idleness - once a virtue - now has almost negative connotations. Being "idle" is seen as lazy, as unproductive. Yet there is a deep truth in this: in silence, in reflection, we can find ourselves. Just as wine needs time to mature, we need time to renew ourselves.
The difference between leisure and idleness may seem subtle, but it is important. Leisure is the conscious enjoyment of free time, while idleness is often understood as simply doing nothing. But in a world that is becoming ever faster, doing nothing is sometimes exactly what we need to find ourselves.
A Manifesto for Leisure
This manifesto for leisure is intended to encourage you to take your time. Not just for a vacation on a beautiful winery like Malat, but also in everyday life. Linger, enjoy the moment, let your thoughts run free. A good glass of wine, a beautiful candle, a deck chair or a fluffy blanket on the grass can be perfect companions for such moments - there is no rush, no goal. Time is simply there to be enjoyed.
The beauty of leisure is that it doesn't impose itself. It offers you the freedom to choose what to do with your time without planning it. This isn't about escapism, but about the conscious decision to slow down and give things space to unfold - just as wine in a barrel needs time to develop its full flavor.
A little tip: Our products at Sojourn
To celebrate these moments of leisure, we at Sojourn have developed products that support this philosophy. Whether it's our Calm Your Mind candles or the Nourish Your Soul bracelet - these little companions remind you to pause and feel the energy of the moment. Link your experiences, places or products that help you immerse yourself in leisure. And the next time you're in the Wachau, stop by Malat - I promise you, it will be a moment of true leisure.
Rediscover leisure. Let time flow – without chasing it.
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