Fleeting experiences of leisure in the context of routine activities, such as pausing to watch a sunset out the kitchen window, or to chat with a friend as you pass them on the street, have received little attention in the leisure literature, yet are common in the context of everyday lives where leisure and work are often dichotomized. This research draws attention to such experiences, introducing the concept of everyday moments of leisure (EML).
Everyday moments of leisure are subjectively-defined and noticed enjoyable, personally-resonant momentary experiences that occur within ordinary places and activities. Such moments have antecedents of perceived / sense of safety, receptivity to the activity, and ease of participation, and involve a juncture, or shift in attention from the obligatory to the enjoyable, as well as the attributes of noticing and connection to the self. Although fleeting and seemingly insignificant, this research asserts that noticing short-duration leisure experiences may offer an important avenue for experiencing leisure in the context of everyday lives.
We’ve been learning about everyday moments of leisure by talking to adults in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, about examples of these moments in their lives – sharing pictures, and sometimes taking us on tours with them so we can learn from their experiences. We’ve met with 30 individuals during over 40 distinct encounters and discussed where these moments happen, what it feels like to experience them, and what impact (if any) such moments have in peoples’ lives. We are analyzing the data now, so check back – we will have more insights to share soon!
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The Everyday Moments of Research Project is led by Dr. Karen Gallant, Associate Professor & Division Head, Recreation & Leisure Studies, School of Health and Human Performance, Dalhousie University, with collaboration from:
Dr. Rien “R.” Alexander, Recreation & Leisure Studies, University of Waterloo
Brittany Bhatnagar, Faculty of Health, Dalhousie University
Dr. Susan Hutchinson, Faculty of Health, Dalhousie University
Dr. Heidi Lauckner, Faculty of Health, Dalhousie University
Dr. Stephanie Mason, Faculty of Education, Brock University
Ashlyn Stevens, Faculty of Health, Dalhousie University
The everyday moments of leisure project is supported in part by funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada
EML @ NOCTURNE 2023
By Nicole Leroy (Visual Artist) and the Everyday Moments of Leisure Research Team
Exploring ideas like spontaneity, sensory rituals, and noticing simple pleasures, ‘Even if just for a minute…’ is a collection of life-sized models that bring-to-life the meaning and power hidden in everyday moments.
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Everyday Moments of Leisure (EML) 