Reflection

A couple of years ago I read an article on the importance of boredom. I can't remember exactly what it was called, but the main points have really stayed with me throughout the years. It argued that boredom was an important dying pastime. That kids, and even adults now days have forgotten the simple joy in simply being bored. I can't help but think how true this really is and that this issue is only getting worse with the abundance of technology that is constantly available at our fingertips.

This article challenged the reader to spend one hour each day simply sitting and being bored. I remember trying this for the first time and actually really enjoying it. I chose my favorite spot under my favorite tree and simply sat for one glorious hour. I turned off my phone, didn't bring my computer, and went somewhere where I knew no one could find me. I repeated this ritual for about a week, and found I actually really enjoyed simply doing nothing, and basking in the boredom.

Something I really find ironic about this is that I continued this for one week, found I really enjoyed it, and then got caught back up in life and was soon too busy to take an hour out of my day to be bored. Instead of sitting under my tree I'd watch my favorite TV program, or play a game on my iPhone. Instead of taking time for personal reflection I'd let my mind turn to "mush" on Facebook, or more appropriately for the time, Myspace.

What I finally have learned from this article (and it really is unfortunate it took me this long to realize it) is that people are investing useless technology instead of investing in themselves. As my father would say, "the best investment you can make is in yourself." I think that in this modern, technology forward culture, humanity has really forgotten that and put personal investment as a very low priority, if a priority at all.

 I would like to tell anyone reading this to not sell themselves short. Investing in yourself should really not be overlooked, you're worth it. Just as the article did, I will again challenge myself to spend an hour every day being bored, to simply get away from technology and clear my mind of all the static. Now all I have to do is find the perfect tree :).

I looked it up online, and although its not the exact article I read, it's still pretty good. Enjoy!

http://www.lifehack.org/articles/productivity/boredom-can-be-good-for-you.html