Yes, meditation is a hobby. Some people have a hard time conceptualizing meditation, which is defined by “being” rather than “doing,” as a hobby. However, if meditation is part of how you like to spend your free time, it’s a hobby (and you can put it on your resume or CV, too).
Have you ever wondered if only “active” hobbies, like basketball or painting, are truly hobbies? Meditation falls into the bucket of “being, not doing” activities, along with journaling, sipping tea while watching the rain, and other excellent introspective activities.
These 100 meditation scripts were created to help beginner and intermediate meditators practice key mindfulness concepts like self-love, forgiveness, gratitude, and inner peace.
Designed to fit into busy schedules, each meditation script lasts 3-5 minutes. Perfect for starting or closing a group meditation; for yoga, coaching, or therapy sessions; or for your personal meditation practice.
In this article, we’ll explore why meditation is indeed a hobby. We’ll also explain why you should give yourself permission to mention it when people ask about your life, and what you do in your free time.
Is meditation a hobby?
Yes, meditation is a hobby.
When people ask “what are your hobbies,” they’re simply trying to get a better feeling for the way you spend your free time.
When you think of a hobby, your mind might jump to basketball or painting. But meditation is just as much a hobby as as any of those more active pursuits.
The truth is that anything you choose to do for enjoyment in your spare time is by definition a hobby.
If you spend some of your time meditating, you can call it a hobby.
Can I write meditation as a hobby on my resume or CV?
Yes, you can (and should) write meditation as a hobby on your resume.
When employers ask about your hobbies and interests, they aren’t concerned with the particulars of what “counts” as a hobby and what doesn’t.
They’re trying to get a fuller picture of who you are.
That means what you list as a hobby on your resume is about putting your best foot forward.
Don’t list “video games” (unless you’re applying to a tech company where that would be relevant).
DO list anything that sheds light on who you are as a person in a positive way.
Meditation definitely does that.
If you have a meditation practice, it means you’re a person who’s capable of introspection, and who’s focused on building a calm and centered life.
In the work world, meditation has positive associations like improved focus, enhanced creativity, less stress, better conflict resolution, and more.
You might also find that the hiring manager or employer who’s interviewing you scans the “hobbies and interests” section of your resume and gravitates to meditation as a point of shared interest.
Why some people argue that meditation isn’t a hobby
Some people think meditation shouldn’t be considered a hobby because it’s not really an “active” activity. Hobbies are traditionally about doing, not being.
And sure, you’re just sitting there when you meditate. That said, I’m not sure this is really a fair take.
Yoga is seen as unquestionably a hobby. And meditation isn’t too dissimilar from yoga, except that you’re sitting still, and you’re focused on your mind instead of your mind and your body.
Another perspective is that meditation is “too important” to be diminished to a hobby. I’m not sure I buy this, either. In this line of thinking, meditation is a “way of being,” and can’t be reduced to a mere hobby along with cycling and playing video games.
I get where people might be coming from on this one, but hobbies are simply a way to describe what you do with your free time. No need to attach a greater meaning than necessary to that framing.
10 Examples of meditative hobbies
Plenty of other hobbies fit right in there with meditation as “being” over “doing” activities that help you channel calm in your life.
Here are a few hobbies that go well with meditation:
- Writing
- Yoga
- Reading
- Journaling
- Hiking
- Painting
- Birdwatching
- Gardening
- Woodworking
- Knitting
Why you should start telling people about your meditation hobby
Meditation is something that you should consider bringing up with the people in your life, if you don’t already.
You may find that it helps establish common ground with others who practice meditation. At the very least, it’s an interesting talking point that helps elicit reactions from others (“Oh, I tried it and it hasn’t worked well for me,” or “What type of meditation do you practice?”)
You have a lot to share based on your experience, and you might find that others do, too.
Frequently asked questions
Is spirituality a hobby?
Spirituality isn’t considered a hobby, because it’s an abstract concept rather than an activity.
However, various spiritual activities may be considered hobbies.
Although this article has argued that any way you spend your free time qualifies as a hobby, spirituality doesn’t qualify, if for no other reason than semantics.
Is yoga a hobby?
Yes, yoga is a hobby.
In fact, with around 36 million people in the United States practicing yoga, it’s one of the more popular hobbies around.
My mindfulness practice kicked off in 2016 with a ten-day silent retreat. Since then, I’ve read dozens of books about mindfulness and completed hundreds of hours of meditation. Thinking about what makes humans happy, calm, and peaceful is endlessly fascinating to me.