The Thing About Boredom

Boredom, just like all other feelings, is a state of mind. It is not stimulating. Rather, it exudes a sense of stillness.

In my experience, boredom can be quite dull for an active mind. Because our minds are always on the lookout for the next activity. As if there's always a plan in progress.

You see, the thing about boredom is that it can scare people. People tend to fill in their days with activities and habits, and usually, they don't get the time to be bored.

To experience boredom in its essence, one needs to be present during the boring moments, instead of being afraid of it. I have noticed that people usually fill in their boredom by scrolling on social media, playing brain-stimulating games on their phones, or watching another movie or a TV show. Nowadays, there's no dearth of the above stimulants. However, these dopamine highs can also be followed by lethargic and burnt-out lows.

Boredom is an opportunity to experience the present moment. When you are grounded in the present, you begin noticing, everything you hadn't before.

Why? Because you get to take a step back and see what's around. This allows your mind to get curious about what's around. It provides an opportunity to explore. It creates space for our child-like mind to wander, wonder, and ponder. However, this requires a willingness from our side too.

Thankfully, boredom also means getting tired of the mundane. When we become bored of the same routine, we can let go of the habituated ways of being. This can even be deemed true of the emotions, beliefs, and the day-today unconscious patterns we hold close to our hearts and personas. 

Boredom allows us to explore and follow through with our creative energy. Given, that we are willing to embrace the boring moments.