This year I resolve to get bored intentionally at least once
a day.
Yep. You read that right. I’m going to get bored.
I am going to find time to sit or lie down and do absolutely
nothing for a few minutes, up to 30, each and every day of this year. I may
drift off to sleep. I may fidget uncomfortably. I may have to fight the urge
for constant input and find myself unconsciously reaching for my smartphone.
But I believe that boredom is fertile ground in which the
mind can truly flourish. Deep thinking is good for you on a whole lot of
levels, and I have come to realize that I do not allow myself the time to think
deeply very much.
I fear boredom. I crave mental stimulation. I am anxious
that I will miss something, some life-changing bit of information that is “out
there” somewhere, urging me to surf, scan, watch, and click. I have caught
myself thinking that I need to go check facebook while I was checking facebook. That’s bad.
So I’m going to get bored. On purpose. I’m going to
daydream, collect my thoughts, gather wool, sit with my head in the clouds,
space out, unplug, disconnect. I am resolved to make this a part of my day,
each and every day.
I have no idea what will happen. There are no preconceived
notions. I am making this resolution for no greater purpose than that which is
self-evident within it. Maybe nothing will happen beyond a few minutes of rest
each day. There’s nothing wrong with that!
But maybe I will think a few thoughts that are truly worth
thinking! Maybe my mind, freed from the burden of continual input, will deepen
a bit. Maybe I’ll get to know myself a little better.
Who knows? But that’s my resolution. I’m going to get bored.
