Social tapestry: Weaving resilience from diverse threads

This article was written for Uncover magazine - Meaningful Leisure Experiences. 

Author: Jörn Fricke is professor of Leisure in a Social Context at Breda University of Applied Sciences.

Defining meaningful leisure
Meaningful leisure refers to activities that provide individuals with a sense of purpose, fulfilment, and intrinsic satisfaction. Unlike casual or passive leisure, meaningful leisure involves active engagement and often aligns with personal values and goals. It is characterised by experiences that contribute to one's sense of identity, community, and life satisfaction.

The concept of meaningful leisure is rooted in various theoretical perspectives, particularly the discussions in the field of psychology. According to Bastiaansen and Duerden (2024), meaningful experiences in leisure are those that lead to personal insights and connect with core sources of meaning in life, such as social connections, goal fulfilment, personal growth, and contribution to others. These experiences can even potentially reach beyond being simply memorable to become transformative, leading to long-lasting changes in attitudes, beliefs, or behaviours.

Resilience through leisure
Resilience, the ability to adapt and thrive in the face of adversity, is closely linked to meaningful leisure. Engaging in leisure activities that are personally significant can enhance resilience by providing individuals with coping mechanisms, emotional support, and opportunities for self-expression. For instance, participating in community-based leisure activities can help in building social support networks, which are crucial for resilience.

One of the aims of the new BUas professorship in Leisure in a Social Context is to highlight the role of leisure in building resilience. Activities that promote social interaction, physical activity, and creative expression can help individuals manage stress, recover from setbacks, and maintain a positive outlook on life. These activities provide a sense of normalcy and continuity, which are essential for psychological resilience.

Diversity in leisure
Diversity in leisure refers to the inclusion of various cultural, social, and individual perspectives in leisure activities. It emphasises the importance of creating inclusive leisure environments that cater to diverse populations. Diversity in leisure not only enriches the experiences of individuals but also promotes social cohesion and mutual understanding.

In addition to the topic of resilience, the professorship will underscore the significance of diversity in leisure, advocating for leisure practices that respect and celebrate cultural differences. Inclusive leisure activities can bridge social divides, reduce prejudices, and help to build a sense of belonging among participants from different backgrounds.

Practical applications
To translate the theoretical concepts of meaningful leisure into practice, leisure scientists and practitioners can adopt several strategies:

1. Personalisation of leisure activities
Personalisation involves tailoring leisure activities to align with individual interests, values, and goals. This approach recognises that leisure is not one-size-fits-all; what fulfils one person may not satisfy another. By understanding personal preferences, practitioners can create more engaging experiences. 

Practitioners may employ assessments and interviews to gather information about participants' preferences, hobbies, and aspirations. For example, if an assessment reveals a participant values environmental conservation, a practitioner might suggest community gardening or nature hikes incorporating environmental stewardship. 

Interviews provide deeper insights into participants' motivations through open-ended questions and active listening. This allows for the creation of experiences that are not only enjoyable but also meaningful and aligned with personal growth. Personalisation ensures individuals engage in activities that reflect their interests and values, leading to greater satisfaction and fulfilment.

2. Promoting social connections
Meaningful leisure can facilitate social bonds and emotional support through group activities and community-based programmes. These connections are essential for building resilience and creating enriching experiences.

Group activities, such as team sports, fitness classes, or collaborative art projects, enable participants to interact and work towards common goals. These shared experiences build trust, camaraderie, and belonging. A community sports league, for instance, promotes both physical fitness and social interaction, creating a supportive peer network.

Community-based programmes like neighbourhood clean-ups, cultural festivals, or volunteer initiatives bring people together for a common cause. These programmes link to the development of community pride and collective responsibility, enhancing social cohesion. Participants often form lasting friendships and support networks crucial for emotional well-being and resilience.

By engaging in activities that promote social connections, individuals experience greater purpose and fulfilment. These connections provide emotional support during challenges and contribute to overall mental health. Practitioners play a vital role in designing inclusive, accessible activities that create a more connected, resilient society. 

3. Encouraging reflective practices
Reflective practices like journalling, group discussions, and personal contemplation help individuals derive deeper meaning from leisure activities. These practices help develop self-awareness and connect experiences to broader life themes and personal growth. 

Journalling allows individuals to document thoughts, feelings, and insights gained during leisure activities. By regularly writing about experiences, participants can identify patterns, recognise achievements, and articulate personal goals, enhancing understanding of how leisure contributes to their well-being.

Group discussions add a social dimension to reflection, enabling participants to share experiences and perspectives. These conversations can lead to new insights, mutual support, and community building. Discussing leisure experiences in groups encourages consideration of different viewpoints and deepens understanding.

Personal contemplation, such as meditation or quiet reflection, helps process experiences internally. This practice connects leisure activities to values, aspirations, and life purpose, providing clarity and informing decisions about leisure pursuits.

Incorporating reflective practices ensures that individuals not only enjoy their free time but also engage in meaningful self-discovery and growth, making leisure experiences more impactful and transformative.

4. The importance of inclusiveness 
Inclusive leisure programmes accommodate diverse cultural and social backgrounds, promoting equity and mutual respect. These activities ensure everyone feels welcomed and valued regardless of their background.

Practitioners must be mindful of cultural sensitivities and create environments where all participants can engage comfortably. This involves understanding and respecting cultural norms, values, and traditions of different groups. Offering activities that reflect diverse cultural practices makes participants feel seen and appreciated.

Creating inclusive programmes also means addressing participation barriers, such as providing language support for non-native speakers, ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities, and offering activities at different times to accommodate various schedules.

Building inclusiveness requires ongoing dialogue and feedback from participants. Practitioners should actively seek input from diverse groups to better understand their needs and preferences. This collaborative approach ensures programmes remain relevant and responsive to the community's evolving dynamics.

Promoting inclusivity not only enriches individual experiences but also strengthens community bonds, helping build a more inclusive society.

5. Integrating technology 
Incorporating technology enhances leisure experiences by creating new avenues for engagement and personalisation. Virtual reality (VR), for instance, creates immersive experiences that transport individuals to different environments, allowing them to explore new worlds and engage in interactive activities.

VR can simulate outdoor adventures, historical tours, or artistic performances, providing a sense of presence traditional leisure activities may not offer. A VR hiking experience allows individuals to traverse scenic landscapes from home, making leisure accessible to those with physical limitations while offering unique, enriching experiences.

Technology also facilitates personalised leisure through data-driven insights. Wearable devices and mobile apps can track individual preferences, activity levels, and health metrics, enabling practitioners to design tailored programmes that align with participants' needs and goals. For example, a fitness app can recommend personalised workout routines based on a user's activity history and fitness objectives.

By integrating technology, practitioners create more engaging, personalised, and meaningful experiences that are accessible to wider audiences, promoting inclusivity and well-being. 

Examples of meaningful leisure
Community gardening programmes 
Community gardening programmes are a prime example of meaningful leisure, blending physical activity, social interaction, and environmental stewardship. Participants engage in gardening activities that not only promote well-being but also provide a sense of accomplishment and foster community ties. These programmes enhance resilience by offering a supportive network and a constructive outlet for stress. 

Cultural festivals 
Cultural festivals celebrate diversity and offer opportunities for meaningful leisure through the exploration of various cultural traditions. These events bring together individuals from different backgrounds, promoting mutual understanding and social cohesion. Participants experience a sense of belonging and pride in their cultural heritage, which contributes significantly to their overall well-being.

Intergenerational storytelling workshops
Storytelling workshops create space for people of all ages to share personal experiences and cultural narratives. Older participants often contribute traditions, memories, and life lessons, while younger voices bring new perspectives and questions that enrich the exchange. The dialogue that emerges helps build meaningful relationships across generations, supports the preservation of cultural heritage, and encourages mutual understanding and respect. By recording these stories - whether through writing, audio, or digital media - participants produce valuable resources that reinforce community identity. The process also strengthens communication skills and emotional insight. Designed with flexibility in mind, these workshops can be tailored to accommodate a wide range of abilities and language backgrounds.

Adaptive sports programmes
Adaptive sports programmes rework traditional athletic activities to ensure that individuals with diverse physical and cognitive abilities can take part, regardless of disability. Examples include wheelchair basketball, seated volleyball, and goalball - a sport designed for athletes with visual impairments. These programmes support physical well-being while also helping participants build confidence, develop problem-solving skills, and connect with others in a welcoming environment. By emphasising inclusion and ability, adaptive sports challenge common misconceptions about disability and encourage participants to overcome challenges and take pride in their accomplishments.

Virtual reality tools
Virtual reality tools offer another innovative example of meaningful leisure. VR technology can create immersive experiences that transport individuals to different environments, allowing them to explore new worlds and engage in interactive activities. For instance, VR travel experiences can simulate walking through distant cities, climbing famous mountains, or diving into underwater reefs. These virtual adventures not only satisfy the desire to explore but also serve as educational resources, bringing to life the geography and cultures of various locations. By tapping into the potential of VR, participants can enjoy meaningful leisure that is both engaging and accessible, regardless of physical limitations or geographic constraints.

Digital storytelling and media creation collectives
These collectives offer training, tools, and support to help marginalised communities produce their own media - such as podcasts, short films, photography exhibits, and blogs. By taking ownership of their narratives, participants not only learn valuable technical skills but also engage with issues that matter deeply to them. Designed with accessibility in mind, these projects support a wide range of abilities and encourage collaboration through varied roles. The creative process promotes self-confidence, sharpens critical thinking, and strengthens a sense of personal and collective agency. In addition to offering fulfilling creative outlets, the content produced contributes to greater visibility and representation of diverse voices in the cultural mainstream.

Challenges and considerations
While the benefits of meaningful leisure are well-documented, the professorship in Leisure in a Social Context addresses several challenges to maximise its impact:

1. Accessibility: Ensuring that leisure activities are accessible to all individuals, regardless of socio-economic status, physical ability, or geographic location, is crucial. Researchers and practitioners must work together to remove barriers and create inclusive opportunities for participation.
2. Sustainability: Designing leisure programmes that are sustainable and can be maintained in the long term is essential. This includes securing funding, training staff, and developing community support.
3. Evaluation: Implementing effective evaluation methods to assess the impact of leisure activities on participants' well-being and resilience is necessary. Continuous feedback and improvement can help refine programmes and ensure they meet the needs of diverse populations.
4. Cultural sensitivity: Practitioners must be culturally sensitive and aware of the diverse backgrounds of participants. This involves understanding cultural norms, values, and traditions and incorporating them into leisure activities.

Conclusion
Meaningful leisure is a powerful tool for enhancing well-being, to help build resilience, and promote diversity. By understanding its theoretical foundations and practical applications, leisure scientists and practitioners can design and implement programmes that provide individuals with fulfilling and transformative experiences. The research and development agenda of the professorship in Leisure in a Social Context at BUas Academy for Leisure & Events strives to explore the potential of leisure in such a way, and we see it as essential to prioritise inclusivity, accessibility, and sustainability to ensure that everyone can benefit from the profound impacts of leisure activities.

Sources
- Bastiaansen, M., & Duerden, M. D. (2024). Conceptualizing Meaningful Experiences. Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Research, 10963480241308344. 
- Cottingham, J. (2003). On the meaning of life. Routledge.
- Eagleton, T. (2007). The meaning of life. Oxford University Press, USA.