Relaxation

Each of us needs some form of relaxation.  For instance, two years ago, I started two small vineyards in our family garden in Prague. The original vineyard in the area apparently disappeared in the 18th century, but there are still local names associated with wine production. I purchased young plants of the Cabernet Cortis (red) and Solaris (white) varieties and planted the vines following the advice of an experienced neighbourhood winemaker. My winemaker friends amicably assure me that I won’t make my first good wine for another ten years or so. Since I had never grown anything in my life besides food mold, no one in my family believed anything would grow under my hands. I must be doing something right, because the vines are thriving and not suffering from mold or other diseases and pests. And I don’t use chemical sprays, I’ve only applied nettle leachate once. Anyway, I’m happy with the vines, although I don’t have much time for them this year due to the failing health of a family member. When I can work in the vineyard, it's a surprisingly relaxing experience. Thanks to the vines, I have also had several positive experiences with winemakers from Moravia, Austria and Germany. When I mentioned that I had started a small vineyard, they immediately wanted to see photos and started passing on helpful advice. They took me as a junior colleague, whereas I saw myself more as a disoriented beginner. I found the winemakers to be a very friendly international community. But unlike them, I have the advantage that my micro-vineyards are a hobby and not a source of livelihood.

Plastic modelling is a source of income for our company and should also bring relaxation to our customers, although in this case with abundant use of chemistry. In addition, there is a community associated with our hobby that is mostly friendly and supportive, although there are sometimes individuals who take it too personally and should probably use some other form of relaxation.

A former colleague of mine from another field, named Štěpán, didn’t pick up plastic modelling as a hobby until he was about thirty years old. He works as a process engineer and when he gets off work, he has a full head of worries. So, he started looking for a pastime to clear his head. He did something of a selection procedure and plastic modelling came out the winner. Building model jet fighters keeps his mind so busy that it really helps him relax. We just don’t have enough kits on offer to suit his taste unfortunately.

Many modellers may not see plastic modelling as a relaxation because they simply like history, or they have been involved in the hobby since they were young and they keep enjoying it. But I think they still relax with it, even if they don’t know it. Plastic modelling can even have a positive influence in serious life situations. In some countries it is part of the therapy for war veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. My admiration in this regard goes to the people who are involved in our field in Ukraine, whether they are manufacturers, traders or modellers. They are trying to carry on in wartime conditions that are in many ways unparalleled since the Second World War.

Recently I read in a Facebook group comments under the post of a Ukrainian modeller who is sharing this hobby with his son. He posted a photo of a new model with the comment that they continue modelling regardless of the terrorist attacks by the Russian state. In his opinion, thanks to this relaxation, they are more able to cope with the war induced anxiety and stress. Surprisingly, one discussant from across the Atlantic objected to the Ukrainian modeller bringing politics into the group. He got a rather intense response from other discussants to the fact that plastic modelling as a means of mental relaxation from cruise missile raids is not really about politics.

In the area where these Ukrainian modellers live, there have been over 1,300 air raid alerts since February 24, 2022, each lasting about one hour on average. Statistics show that the Russians conduct airstrikes evenly on any day of the week, with most being declared around midnight and around noon. Perhaps this discussant from across the Atlantic could visit Ukraine and try out forms of relaxation when he has to take refuge in an air-raid shelter two or three times a day ...

Text: Jan Bobek