Living in the moment is a journey… But I’m bored!
Living in the moment is all the talk these days, but let’s face it, it’s easier said than done! Especially when we’re caught up in the whirlwind of daily life, juggling work, family, and everything in between that vies for our attention. That’s why I always say that living in the now is a “practice”, a discipline that requires focus and intentionality. In this tech society we all live in, we are addicted to the stimulus that sends us chasing after 10,000 shiny objects every day! And in all the noise, we RESIST even the slightest whisper of quiet. We pick up our phones and start scrolling on every down moment we have. We’re trying to fill that space, but it only increases our boredom and takes us further away from our goal of embracing the present moment. Here is a nugget of wisdom, maybe it’s time to learn the art of embracing boredom!
I think boredom gets a bad rap. You see, boredom isn’t just a sign of laziness or lack of stimulation. It’s an invitation to pause, to disconnect from the constant stream of distractions, and to simply be present with ourselves and our surroundings. It can be a catalyst for greater presence and mindfulness.
Living in the now isn’t just about experiencing fleeting moments of joy or excitement; it’s about fully immersing ourselves and accepting where we are in our life, no matter what circumstances we find ourselves in.
Imagine you’re out for a stroll, the sun kissing your skin, birds chirping in the distance, and the gentle rustle of leaves under your feet. Suddenly, you’re struck by a sense of wonder and awe at the beauty of the world around you. That, my friends, is the magic of presence.
But hold on, I know what you’re thinking. “But Sandy, I’ve got bills to pay, deadlines to meet, a thousand things on my to-do list!” I hear you, I really do. But here’s the thing: living in the moment doesn’t mean shirking responsibilities or ignoring the future. It’s about finding pockets of presence amidst the chaos, however small they may be.
As Eckhart Tolle reminds us, the present moment holds no problems; our worries and anxieties belong to the past or the future. So why not focus on what is good and beautiful right now (the wow is happening now!)? Even mundane tasks like cooking dinner, doing laundry, pulling weeds, or corralling wild kids can become opportunities for mindfulness and appreciation – when we are present.
In our world, where instant gratification is the norm, boredom has become somewhat of a lost art. But there’s something to be said for allowing ourselves to be bored, to sit with our thoughts and emotions without the need for constant stimulation.
Now, I’m not saying we should all quit our jobs and spend our days frolicking in meadows (although, wouldn’t that be nice?). What I’m suggesting is a shift in perspective, a conscious effort to embrace the beauty of the mundane, the everyday moments that often pass us by unnoticed.
Our mind is a fascinating place. In itself it is rich with seeds of possibilities that can grow into ideas and passions and wonderful creations. The culprit in our society today is that we are very spoiled on being able to pick up a device and entertain ourselves, ignoring the spaces we are given for self discovery. Again, there is something to say for boredom.
Think back to your childhood, to those lazy summer days when boredom was a badge of honor, a sign that you had the luxury of time to spare. What if we could reclaim that sense of wonder and curiosity, even in the midst of our busy adult lives?
So, the next time you feel the urge to reach for your phone or tablet in moments of boredom, why not try something different? Step outside, breathe in the fresh air, or just stand up and walk! Allow yourself to be fully present in the beauty of the moment. It may just be the most fulfilling experience you’ll have all day.
Remember this: boredom is not the enemy, but a gentle nudge from the universe to slow down, to reconnect with ourselves and the world around us. So go ahead, embrace the boredom, and let it lead you on a journey of self-discovery and presence. After all, as they say, the present moment is the only moment that truly exists.
With warm affection,
© Sandy Hibbard
