Boredom

Watching "The Crown" on Netflix that tells the story of Queen Elizabeth not only helps me while away some evening hours but also spend time fact-checking on the authenticity of the storyline after each episode.  The vast material in the web about the British royal family is amazing and gossip columns are abundant.

Ajahn Sumedho once said "People get away from the boredom of their own existence, their discontent with it, the tediousness, by reading gossip about movie stars and public figures.....As soon as it (boredom) comes into mind we start looking for something interesting, something pleasant."

He contends that we never accept boredom as a conscious state ie. never accept it nor allow it.

I think for me when boredom sets in, my mind drifts into a state of lack or some want of purpose. For many , it is probably the fear of the inner unease questioning the meaning of existence. Hence people need to look for things to stimulate their minds out of boredom.

Ajahn Sumedho thinks that we have to allow ourselves to be fully conscious of this state of feeling. Just like in psychology and counselling we need to fully recognise and acknowledge our feelings in order for catharsis to take place. Sit still, do nothing and observe the boredom until it dissolves. Being present, the mind takes its natural course and will move on to focus on a creative activity instead of engaging in quick fixes and stimulants.

So, for me,  nothing beats gardening to be totally immersed in the moment. I can spend hours in the garden without realizing the passage of time. Another activity that helps me to be present and focused is sewing using the SINGER machine bequeathed by my mother. I never fail to admire this grand dame of more than half a century as it chugs along.



"Don't do any task in order to get it over with. Resolve to do each job in a relaxed way, with all your attention" - Thich Nhat Hanh