The True Purpose of Recreation
The word recreation is thrown around a lot in our culture. It seems just about everything has a recreational purpose, such as vehicles, sports, drugs, and other activities. But what does recreation even mean? And where does the word come from? As someone who’s a bit of a nerd for understanding the history and etymology of words, the answer certainly surprised me. Understanding the origins of recreation can help us reframe our understanding of leisure, allowing us to lead lives of greater fulfillment, productivity, and vitality.
The common understanding of recreation is something done in one’s spare time for leisure or fun. But this isn’t where the roots of recreation come from. “Recreation” comes from the Latin word, “recreare” which means “to refresh, restore, make anew, revive, invigorate.” This is much different from mere fun or leisure activities. Recreation in its purest sense is meant to renew one’s spirit. To recharge your batteries, remake yourself better, to refresh and revitalize yourself!
Things done in our leisure time that leave us feeling weak, tired, miserable, and drained are the opposite of recreation. These activities don’t reinvigorate us. They don’t help us renew ourselves and feel refreshed to face life head on. They do the opposite. Inadequate and counter productive leisure activities often leave us feeling worse than before we engaged in them. I know for myself that when I partake in counterproductive leisure activities that leave me feeling drained, it feels as if I’m suffering from a disease of the spirit.
Funny enough, the root word “recreation” as it appears in Old French and Latin is also used in reference to the “curing of a person” and “recovery from illness.” Recreational activities are not just done for fun, but to cure oneself. To become refreshed, renewed, and full of life.
Understanding the meaning and history of recreation can allow us to return to our roots of recreational activities and reflect on how they should make us feel. If your leisure activities leave you feeling tired and drained, just wishing for one more day of your precious weekend so you can stay in bed and sleep, then these activities aren’t recreational. Our leisure time should enhance our life, not make us feel worse. Next time you’re considering a recreational activity for your leisure time, ask yourself, does it refresh, renew, and recreate yourself into something better? If the answer is no, then this activity is draining, not recreational.
