With Boredom Comes Peace

I had a realisation

I was sat reading my latest personal development book 'Think like a monk' by Jay Shetty the other day and it hit me:

I have so many stories and lessons to share from my own journey, just through the many books I have read. Whenever I have read a book on personal growth, money mindset or anything else relating to that area, I have always highlighted key points or phrases that really connected with me.

At first, highlighting my book was tough as I am a book lover and it felt like I was defacing it.

HOWEVER, I came to realise the benefit in being able to find key reminders whenever I was called to them.

Don't sweat the small stuff

This morning (the day I am writing this), I picked up 'Don't sweat the small stuff, and it's all small stuff' by Richard Carlson.

The caption for his book reads "Simple ways to keep the little things from taking over your life"

I think I read this one back in 2020 when lockdown was everywhere. Looking back through now, I highlighted ALOT of sections in this book.

If you haven't read it yet, I'd highly recommend adding it to your list.

Add me to your reading list!

The key moment for me

The section I read was around how, as human beings, we feel this constant need to always be doing something. Most people find it so difficult to just stop still and let 'boredom' take over.

For some, it's due to the constant pressures of life, the pressure from social media, society as a whole or just pressure you put on yourself.

My other half always complains about needing to be busy. He hates stopping still!

In this chapter Richard was set the task of allowing time for boredom in his week, in which he replies:

"Why on earth would I choose to be bored?"

What comes from boredom?

When you truly allow yourself to be bored for an extended period of time, maybe half hour or longer, and you don't fight the feelings that come up, eventually you find yourself at PEACE.

When you practice it on a regular basis, it then becomes a feeling of being relaxed.

Do you remember the last time you felt totally relaxed?

Now when you start, you will probably hate it! You will feel this urge to get back to ticking of your to-do list or even have feelings of guilt around doing nothing.

Whatever comes up, acknowledge it and then release it. It doesn't have to be for an hour a day, everyday, but simply a few minutes of feeling TOTALLY relaxed.

Use the time to notice how you are feeling mentally and physically. Is there something you need that you haven't given yourself?

Why it's important

"Much of our anxiety and inner struggle stems from our busy, overactive minds always needing something to entertain them, something to focus on, and always wondering 'What's next?'"

When you allow time to have nothing to do, it gives you time to clear your mind and fully relax.

You may even find that from this boredom, you actually become more proactive, more creative and more aware because you've allowed space for it.

Try this

Set aside sometime today to do absolutely nothing! Leave your phone in another room, move away from distractions and people who might talk to you and just focus on what's around you. That doesn't mean, sit in your house and focus on all the house work you need to get done. Why not ask yourself these questions whilst bored:

1. How am I feeling today? (mentally & physically)

2. Is there something I need more of or less of today? (mentally & physically)

3. What continual thoughts keep coming up for me?

Relaxing and taking time to do nothing shouldn't be a bad thing, so make it a priority for you and see what comes up.

Now,

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