Hobbies are actually meditation in itself. Why did I say that? Consider this: When you're reading a book, it's you and the book. When you're doing stitching, it's only you and the stitching work. In every hobby, you will notice one common denominator. It's like you're in your own different zone (or world). Name it, tampering-with-your-car, surfing in the internet, jogging or working out (that's why some prefer to pump-alone), fire-gazing (a common used term especially for male when they are in a catatonic/idle mode).
It's a state of relaxation. Notice also another thing, during these times, mostly you have no one to talk to, which means it's a “quiet moment” where we are actually open to messages from the Universe (as we always said “prayer” is not only about talking to God, in fact it's more about listening).
Some of the great ideas and solutions to problems actually come from this state of mind because this is the time we are most open to the whispers of the spiritual realm. The inspirational thoughts and the sudden revelation of ideas come mostly from this “silence of the mind”. That's why it's so important to remove ourselves once in a while from the mundane concerns of everyday life and delve into these quiet moments.
