Member-only story
If Boredom Listed A Room on Airbnb
A little gem in the heart of ennui
Where is boredom taking us?
The critical difference between boredom and mindfulness is that mindfulness is a deliberate act of self-awareness, while boredom is a passive state of mind.
When we are mindful, we are actively engaged in observing our thoughts and feelings. We are aware of the present moment and accepting of whatever arises.
Boredom is a state of mind characterised by apathy and restlessness. We are not actively engaged in anything and feel restless for something more.
Our focus is not on ourselves, in the moment, but on something other; boredom propels us somewhere else.
Where boredom takes us is an important consideration, so let’s look at this idea of transition a little further.
Courageous Introspection
To be bored is to be unafraid of our interior lives — a form of moral courage central to being fully human. ~ Maria Popova
Popova references a fear of letting ourselves feel boredom. We build a common association that boredom is negative and undesirable.
However, seeing boredom as a transition state can be a powerful tool for self-exploration and…
