TIB: Edited
Near the end of my sophomore year of high school, I found myself with an abundance of free time. My friends weren't hanging out as often because they (unlike me) focused hard on their school work and understood what GPA meant. I hadn't joined any clubs at school, I didn't have hobbies, other than playing video games, which I wouldn't really count. My free time was expansive and empty. As boredom set in, as well as some light depression, I sought out activities. As my birthday approached, I set my sights on the coolest thing I could think of: the bass guitar. I watched videos, tutorials, reviews, everything I could to assist in the purchase process. I presented my findings to my parents, who were amazed that I sought out something creative and engaging to invest my free time into. Enthused, they split the price of my first bass guitar with me. I took it up to my room, thoroughly excited about my new purchase, ready to try something new for the first time in a long time. With nothing else to do, I practiced my eyes out. I never became, and will probably never become, a master of the bass guitar craft, but I'd say I'm fairly decent. The skills, while encouraging, were not the game changer that came with my new musical escapades. The real gain was the realization that free time does not need to be free. I can trade some of it for something worthwhile. For me, that was music. Now, music is necessary for my daily life. I wake up to my daily mix of music, anytime I drive there's music on in the car, and taking the T, music is a must. Understanding, to an extent, the art and intricacies of music expands my world view, and provides me with a deeper understanding of culture. I listen to music with a purpose: to enrich myself. Each time I put on a song, there is something to gain. New bass lines, sure, but different genres provide new methods to interpret lyrics. Different cultural music teaches me applicable knowledge of tradition and practices within said culture. The arts, for myself specifically music but to anyone else it could be any form of art, enhance my abilities in other areas of life. Spanish music, for instance, has greatly assisted my endeavors in learning Spanish. As simple as it seems, this is a practice that took me a great while to realize, and even longer to purposefully execute. This essay is not to claim that every second of my free time is spent achieving greatness or studying deep into music, but to highlight the advantages of donating a small amount of free time to creating with art.
I believe in free time, just as I believe in the arts. Art to me is a form of creation like no other. It can come in many forms, forms which change for each individual, meaning that I am sure there is some form of art for everyone. The next span of time that presents the opportunity to lounge on the couch, I recommend you put on some music, or scroll through some famous artwork; find something which engages your mind in some minute way, and you might soon find yourself actively seeking out a new interest.
Image: Electric Bass; Source: Pixabay
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