Making meaning of the smallest units of leisure: a phenomenological exploration of everyday moments of leisure

Abstract

Building on earlier work conceptualising everyday moments of leisure (EML) as momentary forms of leisure experienced amidst ordinary spaces and activities, this phenomenological research sought to understand how momentary leisure experiences come to occur in people’s lives, the characteristics of such experiences and the meanings attributed to them. Data collection involved interviews with 20 individuals who engaged in up to three interviews about their experiences of EML, including discussion of their documented examples of EML and participation in on-site go-along interviews. We analysed the data collaboratively using interpretive phenomenological analysis. Two themes with subthemes describe the data. The first theme is EML are enjoyable brief experiences, with subthemes of (1) sensory/embodied experiences, (2) meaning-making, (3) shift in perspective and (4) personal beliefs and awareness of EML. The second theme is EML are noticed in context. Overall, findings suggest that EML are often intentionally cultivated and present meaningful opportunities for enjoyable moments that provide welcome contrast and reprieve from daily obligations and pressures. Complementing the current focus on the benefits of momentary engagement with nature or beauty, drawing attention to EML opens the possibility of increasing wellbeing through momentary engagement across a whole spectrum of activities subjectively experienced as leisure.