In a consumerism based society, now more than ever do we have *things* to fill our time. That thing you're reading this on is the most prolific example. I'd say it fills most of your down time, and if not your phone, tablet or computer, I'd guess it's ,your TV. This is not a judgement--this is to point out that when we're bored (or running from our feelings), we reach for something simple to make us un-bored.
Imagine if instead of reaching for you phone when you get bored, you just laid there for a bit What would happen? If you're exhausted, you might eventually fall asleep. If you haven't slowed down after a long day, you might actually catch some breaths. You might remember the thing you were supposed to do yesterday. You might think up a new philosophical idea, or think of an activity you haven't done in a while that you'd like to do (and then go do it).
"The moment after we don't know what to do with ourselves is the moment we find ourselves... But we have to hang in there long enough without bailing."
Glennon Doyle, Untamed
This quote really struck me because it's true. If you let yourself get bored enough, put the phone away as if you aren't allowed to touch it, you're reminded of the things you like or want to do, or even able to just feel for a minute.
The night before last, I sat in my bed after a big day at work and online shopped. I didn't buy anything, I just added things to my cart. I do this frequently when I'm bored and want to feel better. I caught myself doing this, moved on to other phone activities, and after a while I realised I was bored and trying to find more things to do on my phone. So I put it down and laid still for a while. My brain was racing so fast and had been all day. After realising this, my next thought was "How can I slow my brain down and relax?" My first thought was "tea", but it was hot as balls so I reached for water instead. Next thought was "bath" but, again, hot as balls, so I jumped in the shower instead. I got in my pajamas, feeling all refreshed, and sat there again. "What else can I do to relax?" My brain said read a book, so I read. I read and read and read, and journaled down some interesting ideas from the book. The ideas that really stuck out to me, I had noticed, struck a chord inside. I pondered on what that feeling was and was able to realise how I have been feeling lately--something you cannot achieve if your time is constantly full with distractions. Once that was out, it put everything into perspective, and I moved onto reading some more. I felt much lighter and realised that I'd like to read more, if this is the experience I get out of it.
There's so much more you can achieve with boredom--exploring your taste in music or revisiting old genres that you enjoy. Realising you haven't visited a family member or seen a friend in a while and being flooded with love for that person. Learning how to be creative, or what that even means. Maybe even cleaning your room, cracking a window open and popping on a candle to change up the scenery a bit. Notice how the birds interact with each other outside and connect with nature, away from the busyness of our world. Get bored, people.
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