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Eutrapelia

 

Eutrapelia is a virtue of the cardinal virtue of Temperance, and growing in the virtue of eutrapelia is about enjoying play/leisure that is rest for the soul. As you exercise this virtue, it's important to avoid play/leisure that hurts your relationship with God, others, or yourself; that is at the wrong time or place; or that undermines your efforts to exercise a different virtue. Choose a play/leisure habit that you enjoy doing but that isn't focused on some other motive (eg. improving physical health, earning recognition, winning a prize). When someone asks you why you do it, your answer is simply "Because I enjoy it." Here are some examples of better habits you can exercise every day to grow in the virtue of eutrapelia:

 

Engage in Hobbies

• Play a game without caring about the result.

• Play an instrument without caring about improving.

• Listen to music and/or sing without caring about memorizing lyrics or sounding good.

 

Take Leisurely Walks

• Walk slowly in nature.

• Walk slowly at a place of interest.

• Walk slowly with your bare feet on grass or sand.

 

Socialize with Others

• Talk and listen to others about hobbies.

• Talk and listen to others about likes/dislikes.

• Talk and listen to others about faith and family.