What does boredom really mean?

If you have ever felt bored, you may not have grasped what this means. People will say they feel weary because they sense some experience is dull. You may associate this with a monotone voice that does not keep your attention in a classroom, an office meeting or, on the radio. You may have felt confused by tedious repetition or unwelcome situations you wish were over. What do these feelings really tell you?

People will say they are bored because they have nothing to do. They may be unaware of their options or, ignorant of what remains to be done. Young people will say such a thing during school vacation. Adults will say this at times when tasks are not assigned to them. Underneath restlessness is a lack of motivation.

Each person is responsible for motivating himself and for making personal choices. Reflect on situations when you have felt bored. How do you read internal signals now? If you wanted to be somewhere other than where you are, then why prevent yourself from doing so? Feelings explain where you are and where you are not.

Your sense of the future is determined by how you used to think and by what you think now. Whatever future unfolds is not a punishment inflicted from outside yourself. However, it may result from lack of effort. If you allow any emotions to interfere, then you permit fear of the unknown to materialize.

Boredom means you are selectively aware of your actions, choices and their implications. At any given moment, as you become aware of experiences that are open to you, this does not mean you consciously decide to act and develop. Inaction is not the same as action. Each choice has consequences. Each choice affects your personality, confidence and awareness.

Everything you see or do not choose to see, do or do not do, contributes to your soul growth. To express boredom is to deny your dreams and to ignore your untapped potential. To evolve is to be open to change. Every thought and feeling you create shapes how your life has unfolded and will unfold. What is next for you? Are you bored? Will you grow to transcend it?

Comments

[Bruno LoGreco]

It sure does. For adults being bored could also mean you are not content with life and where you are at. Be forewarned if this is the case, you will have a lifetime of searching for "things" that will cure your boredom and make you happy.

[Lance]

What is next for me? It is not boring. These are exciting times, and they are because I am creating my destiny! Life is great right now. Has it always been? No, but I've evolved to being at a point where I seek out the new, I challenge myself, and I live my life the way I desire. It's been a journey to get to this point, and it's great to be here!

This is a wonderful reminder, Liara, of the ability we all have to achieve our dreams! Thank you!

[Maithri]

Dear Liara,

This is a stirring reminder.

The urgency of now, is something we often forget... Life is real and alive... awaiting us to unwrap its gifts and enjoy!

Love and light to you my friend,

M

[Liara Covert]

Bruno, your thoughtful post reminds us each person holds the key to relieving or transcending his or her own boredom. This is sometimes seen as a widespread symptom of something deeper. Each person can raise awareness to recognize signs. No matter who you are or what you do, you have options to make different choices, do something different with your life. You send yourself messages. You decide when to listen.

[Liara Covert]

Lance, dreams are always within your grasp. They are within everyone's reach. During times of change, it is inevitable that some things about your past are left behind. You outgrow them. Your enthusiasm is a wonderful energy. As you share that, it is catching.

[Liara Covert]

Maithri, great to hear from you! Every human being can benefit from certain kinds of wake-up calls. We are all stretching our awareness, both consciously and unconsciously. There is no escape, and no need to fear. Boredom is a stage in transforming awareness. You move from knowing parts of yourself in ways that have attached expectations to sensing differently.

[Miruh]

When I am bored, it's because I am not engaged in life. I am choosing to be apathetic because there is something I do not want to deal with, usually I have to ask myself what am I afraid of.

[Liara Covert]

Miruh, you make a meaningful point. Boredom can reveal different thigns for different people. They key to remember is to be willing to look beneath the surface. We all hide from something. Raising self-awareness allows us to gain valuable lessons.