Anyone taking public transport will know that everyone on their way to work, almost without exception, is on their phone . It seems we can’t bear to do ‘nothing’ anymore!

There has been quite a lot of discussion about it. Where are we going with this addiction, seemingly always being kept occupied on a screen? Now with AI (Artificial Intelligence) knocking on the door?

Back in my youth-work days, my youth-worker friend, Fuzz Kitto, suggested that the opposite to boredom, was not activity, but creativity. It was a maxim I drew on when I was teaching at the Enfield Juvenile Detention facility. Boredom is a huge issue for disadvantaged kids. Breaking the Law becomes an exciting recreational activity!

Michael Leunig advocates for ‘doing nothing’ through his character, Mr Curley.

I would not be surprised if Mr Curley were to sign up for a silent retreat. Why not?

Some advocate ‘mindfulness’. I take this to mean intentionally focussing one’s attention on the activity being undertaken. There’s a lot to be said for mindfulness.

Others find satisfaction by emptying their minds of activity through meditation. We think of the Buddhist tradition, for example.

Contemplation is another avenue, focussing one’s attention on an object to become one with it.

But recently I have appreciated an insight from Aboriginal thinker Stan Grant, who suggests a change of focus to the boredom conversation – toward meaning.

Here is the source article:
https://www.abc.net.au/religion/stan-grant-we-are-bored-because-we-dont-wonder-about-god/102684372utm_campaign=abc_religion&utm_content=mail&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_source=abc_religion

I hope you find it helpful.