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In Praise of Idelness

November 22 2015

Written by the English philosopher Bertrand Russell in 1932,Russell basically says that we have all been conned into believing that working hard for the benefit ie profit ,of others is a virtue and that we need to work less and have more liesure in our lives...I personally think that he is right and I think it's a mindset most Westerners have.I ad a colleague who was always busy busy,she hardly took a breathe,but her busyness did not really achieve much...So my question is would you take a step back,edit your life and spend Moore time doing what you want to do,rather than spending most of your time doing what you think you should do..or perhaps you have the perfect work liesure balance ?xxFreya

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RHP User

10 years ago

Mine tips to one side a little where a lot of it is taken up by work. However, to afford the leisure lifestyle I've chosen, I need to work. I should step back in the sense where I'm often guilty of taking my work with me when I travel so I can catch up on a few admin tasks while travelling. I recently had to take a work call and make a couple of phone calls to sort out a dilemma while I was on leave. I think this might have annoyed my travel companion at the time, however, it was not something that could have waited until I was back at the office. Would I change it? No. Despite the challenges my job has, it can be very rewarding. The extra mile I put into my work is not for extra gain for the company I work for. It's for vocational growth, achievement and that great feeling when I meet the goals I set for myself. *waves at Freya* Hope all is well with you! xXxXx

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RHP User

10 years ago

I should have also added the extra mile I put in also helps clients with intensive barriers. It's a long and slow process to see results, however, watching a boy participate in a group activity and interact with others with a smile on his face where his first appointment with me consisted of having to coax him to take his hoodie off so I could see his face means I go home at the end of the day feeling a sense of accomplishment. It's not a financial outcome for the company I work for, however, it's a huge step for this kid.

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IamMrSilly

10 years ago

But it is exactly that thinking that led me to join RHP and do so many other things in my life. I agree 100%, but there is a balance required because we need some funds to facilitate the idle time. :)

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RHP User

10 years ago

...I have tried to apply that philosophy of working to live, rather than living to work.I've touched on this before, but at its root was my happiness and contentedness with my work/leisure balance. Admittedly, because I have no serious commitments such as a partner, children or pets at present, it's not difficult to concentrate on myself...and my work is conducive to the lifestyle too...but it's not planning for the future much. One can't holiday forever, and for now I'm having a Gap year, I suppose...I'm working, but when I'm not I'm living in the present and putting myself, and those who deserve it, first.I've had a lot of time off work this year...including when I resigned for a few months...and my life is still simple, but it's richer and wiser for the time taken to reflect.

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RHP User

10 years ago

I started working full-time, for the first time ever. I never had to, as I don't need much and have no family that relies on me. To me personally idleness = mindfulness. Doing nothing restores my soul and when I'm nourished I can give most to others.

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RHP User

10 years ago

So much adore you even more Meander.bye4nowGrant...

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MissBishere

10 years ago

Work 12 hour days (10 at the office and 2 at home) then home and straight into single mum mode with dinner, etc. but I am and always have been a workaholic to some degree so working makes me happy. When things impact on my ability to work to my capacity I.E sickness etc I get very cranky so to avoid this I maintain my health and that of my immediate family so it doesn't have an impact. I rarely work on weekends now and use this time to completely switch it off and concentrate on family and me. For me it's a balance that works

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RHP User

10 years ago

I cut down work 4 yrs ago. Went from 8 hr to 5 hr days. Realised I was spending more time with my work colleagues daily than I was with my family,so changed it. Poorer but happier and not racing around trying to maintain the house and home life in limited time.

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RHP User

10 years ago

All work and no play makes Obi1....dead. Yep, Freya, working the hours we do is an age old method of keeping the rich richer and the not so rich under control. Give people something like wealth to aspire to and they won't notice just how much they actually haven't got. (Operates much the same as religion in my opinion). Obi1

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sweetgem

10 years ago

And be financially well off, I have always opted for the relaxing lifestyle and live by the philosophy of work to live. Before the unforeseen change took place at home a few years ago, I used to travel several times a year to interstates and overseas at every opportunity because, travelling is one of my passions and eating different cuisines on the trip is one of my beloved interests. So, I was always doing what I wanted to do instead of doing what I should do. However, I am putting that lifestyle on hold for now and devoting my time and energy for the most important person in my life, while I am given the opportunity to commit to this priority. And I won't change this commitment for anything or anyone as regrets are a hell of an emotional and mental burden to live with in life! - Posted from rhpmobile

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In Praise of Idelness

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