Let boredom takeover
Why is it that the moment we feel the slightest bit of boredom we need to in some way, drown it out with a form of instant gratification? Why do we associate boredom with something bad or that it is not useful to us in any way?
Is it that we have come to a point in which it is intolerable to face the realization of our existence and actions or our environment through thought? Have we become (as Pink Floyd puts it) "Comfortably numb" to the fabricated idea that we mustn't have the slightest form of self-thought because the very act of thinking about our existence is subconsciously perceived as meaningless and pitiful when compared to everything that exists? Perhaps deep within, we think that if we attempt in some futile way to possibly come to terms with everything that exists and truly decide for ourselves what matters and what doesn't, we will reach a tipping point. A point of self-realization of everything that happens around us that the only way "forward" is to give up all hope and fall calmly into the warm cradling hug of nihilism itself.
Perhaps it is none of these things. Or perhaps this is just me overthinking again, but I do know one thing. I know that boredom is essential to the human spirit. Why? it's simple really. Boredom allows us to think about our lives. It gives us wiggle room to think about possibilities that as a child we once thought of as possible.
But now, grown-up, our ambition has been numbed to a point in which there seems to be no visible starting line in which to take action. We feel chained to the limitations that we put on ourselves. Along with the influences of other people telling you what they think is best for you. Perhaps it is that you shouldn't have such ambitious goals. Perhaps it is to keep to the system and be thankful for a stable job with an ok house. Perhaps it is one of the other millions of excuses that people try to wash over you to numb out their realities. Realities that they can't bear to come into contact with because "why face the truth when you can lie to yourself that everything is ok?".
A lie told enough times eventually becomes the truth.
Boredom, when used correctly, can become the fuel to ignite the flame. I can't even remember the number of times I have come up with ideas and solutions to problems simply because I allowed myself a moment to face what was in front of me at the time. The mind is given freedom when you allow boredom to speak. I understand that this might be a scary thing to do for some. After all, it is much easier to have someone think for you rather than you for yourself. But if given the chance, and only if you allow it, it can propel you to success.
Why am I even going on about this at all? Well, there are multiple reasons.
Firstly: I have struggled a lot with social media addiction. It came to points where I would (and sometimes still do) instinctively grab my phone and just start mindlessly scrolling through Instagram in a futile effort to drown out any thoughts from occurring. When I came to the self-realization of this, it made me sick. Sick to think that I was endlessly trying to fill the "void" with meaningless content and sick to know that I was missing out on moments in which my brain would come up with ideas that would propel me forward.
Secondly: I realized that boredom and productivity can be used in conjunction rather than something thought of as opposing forces. When you want to be productive, give yourself some moments to sit away from any device and just look around. Observe things, ask yourself random questions try to answer them, and challenge yourself. Perhaps do some push-ups if you can (I take no responsibility if you attempt to do push-ups because you read this and then injured yourself :P). Allow your mind to clear out by engaging with it. This will get you into the flow of work and be productive. Especially if you are pondering on how to improve what you are already working on during that moment.
If I could sum up everything I have said into one sentence it would be this:
"Give boredom the chance to let you think about your current situation, over time it will become easier to use it as a weapon rather than something to be fearful of."
So, I wanted to give my own opinion about what I thought of boredom. Whether you are interested or not in what I say is up to you. Whether you have taken anything from what I have said is again, completely up to you. Just know that with all the choices you make, there will be consequences. They might be good or bad depending on the choice made. That is just the paradox of life I guess.
Anyway, hopefully, you managed to gain something from this "mini-rant" of mine.
Until next time!
