Our brain works 24/7; even while we are sleeping.
It is processing sounds around us, dealing with stressors, is processing messages we receive. It is always “on”; it never takes a break.
For me, one of the hardest things I struggle to learn is to mediate. It is difficult for me because I need to put some effort into staying and focusing my thoughts on only one thing.
And if this is difficult, what about doing nothing?
Boredom has a reputation for being a negative state of mind due to cultural pressure (productivity is a must, right?) and due to a lack of experience of being with ourselves alone.
But neuroscientists say that boredom facilitates creativity, gives us time to process, and improves self-control.
I don’t remember the source, but I read that it is important for children nowadays to have time to be bored. There is a tendency for parents to fill their schedule with a lot of courses. But this doesn’t allow them to have time on their own when they have to decide what to do, to invent some games or to socialize with other children and borrow their toys.
In therapy or in recruitment, we use silence as a tool to make space for the client to clear his mind. Why we can't use also boredom (as a form of silence) for ourselves?
Here are some studies on boredom.
And now, think about what prejudices you have regarding boredom. When did you learn them? Do you think they are valid?
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