A critical examination of leisure in modernity: Rejecting instrumentalism and embracing flourishing

Developing Connectedness to Nature in Urban Outdoor Settings: A Potential Pathway Through Awe, Solitude, and Leisure

“…Such contemplation (i.e., leisure) without a specific purpose is believed to be essential to the human condition ( Pieper, 1963 ). Dattilo and Lopez Frias (2020) align with Holba’s (2013) assertion, stating that moments of leisure may occur during recreation, but engagement in recreation activities does not constitute a leisure experience in and of itself.…”

“…Outdoor recreation broadly refers to an activity occurring during one’s free time that involves participants interacting with the natural world in some manner ( Jenkins and Pigram, 2003 ; Lackey et al, 2021 ). Although practitioners often uncritically accept outdoor recreation as an effective tool in developing a relationship between humans and outdoor spaces in urban areas (e.g., Outdoor Foundation, 2020 ), some limitations may exist in relying too heavily on outdoor recreation, given such pursuits often emphasize hedonic well-being and extrinsically motivated, goal-oriented behaviors ( Holba, 2013 ; Dattilo and Lopez Frias, 2020 ). Even though these pursuits can have beneficial outcomes for outdoor recreation participants, finding ways to also promote eudaimonic well-being ( Ryff and Singer, 2008 ; Huta and Waterman, 2014 ) and intrinsic motivation ( Ryan and Deci, 2000 ) may provide alternative beneficial outcomes for individuals in ways that complement those encouraged by outdoor recreation.…”

“…In contrast to outdoor recreation, outdoor leisure may provide this alternative pathway to connect urban residents with outdoor spaces. While recreation and leisure are often used interchangeably, some scholars assert that the terms have different historical origins as well as practical connotations (e.g., Holba, 2013 ; Dattilo and Lopez Frias, 2020 ). For instance, Holba (2013) argues that leisure represents an action that holistically consumes an individual’s mental state, arising from intrinsic motivation and thoughtfulness when participating in the chosen activity, and contrasts leisure and recreation by stating, “The most obvious difference between transformative leisure and recreation is the action of contemplation—transformative leisure has it and recreation does not” (p: 22).…”

“…original conceptualization of eudaimonia to describe human well-being in a manner that balances several complementary dimensions including: self-reflection, personal meaning, authenticity, and intrinsic motivation ( Ryan and Deci, 2001 ; Ryff and Singer, 2008 ; Huta and Waterman, 2014 ; Lengieza et al, 2019 ). Scholars have asserted that leisure, in contrast to recreation, may provide space to pursue these ideals (e.g., Holba, 2013 ; Dattilo and Lopez Frias, 2020 ). Regarding outdoor leisure in urban outdoor spaces, eudaimonic experiences in the outdoors may support connectedness to nature in a manner that is personal, authentic, and intrinsically motivated.…”

“…Alternatively, solitude is generally characterized by self-reflective thoughts and feelings facilitated by being alone ( Long et al, 2003 ). Each of these components, discussed in greater length further in this critical essay, may allow for the outdoor environment to facilitate intrinsic and contemplative moments inherent in the eudaimonic nature of leisure experiences ( Holba, 2013 ; Dattilo and Lopez Frias, 2020 ). Given the potential benefits associated with connecting urban residents to outdoor spaces, environmental educators and land managers may look to experiences of awe and solitude as mechanisms to promote outdoor leisure opportunities that complement outdoor recreation.…”