Whilst waiting for an appointment, I decided to actively pursue boredom, to do nothing, to stare into space, notice things, let my mind drift, engage in absence of activity. Like many, I have become slightly dependent on my ‘pocket pacifier’ and can scroll aimlessly through news stories or text friends, whiling away ‘waiting’ time, I had long thought that this creates the illusion of ‘doing something’.
It had occurred to me that I was missing out on something….those moments when you let your thoughts wander and allow ideas to come to the surface. It can be an astonishingly good way of solving problems, remembering random things, thinking of friends that you have not touched base with in a while. The constant feed of phones, radio etc have silenced a useful and possibly ancestral way of thinking.
I gazed out of the window toward a Victorian water tower. I have seen this structure many times but had never noticed the makers name on the heavily riveted tank, or the elegant iron struts supporting the access ladder or the details in the brick work. True beauty in utility.
On another occasion I watched a child learning to walk and giggled with him and his mother as he tottered unsteadily. A shared moment of joy, missed had I been gazing at a screen.
These moments of meditation have reminded me to notice breath and tension, to make eye contact and smile at strangers.
I present a challenge to you, the next time you wait for a bus, train or meeting try to resist the urge for the screen and instead breathe, sit and notice, try boredom, it has a lot to recommend it.
Good start! I am sure I will relish your pieces on Substack!