seeing through boredom
by JVS on May.30, 2010, under 2010
“I think its important to get bored and just watch flies or observe what you are surrounded by” (Director Thomas Balmes, commenting on his recent film that looks at how children are raised differently around the world, The Globe and Mail, April 26th, 2010) Apparently we, in the developed world, overstimulate our kids, leaving little room for the development of observational skills. By putting so much before our children’s eyes and lives, we ironically leave them more blind. I think this is true. We need the time and space that boredom affords in order to look and see more deeply. There’s a deep connection between ‘nothing else to do’ and ‘wow, look at that!’
June 7th, 2010 on 12:29 am
I agree with this – but I wouldn’t use the word “boredom”. Perhaps my definition of boredom is wrong, but it carries very negative connotations to me.
I would say that we need space and time to relax and be at peace.
I often have these moments which you call “boredom” when I am relaxing after a long day soaking in my tub. I can be completely immersed in the trail of a water droplet as it runs down my knee and back into the water. But I am far from bored. I am simply allowing myself to delight in the small things. Allowing my brain to relax. Allowing my spirit to empty of my “self” and be open to experiencing something. Opening my heart for that whisper of wonder from God. And there are other times when this occurs too like a lazy afternoon watching dust in a sunbeam, or sitting petting my cats, and on and on.
When I am bored, on the other hand, I am restless and often feel inadequate – like I wasted a day or I should be doing something, but I can’t think of what I want to do. I’d say the two experiences are quite opposite!
June 1st, 2010 on 7:13 am
Amen!