“Boredom is the beginning of creativity,” I would tell my children when they lamented, “Mama, I’m BORED!” I would then look at them and say, “What are you going to do about it?” I would watch as they’d shift from one leg to another, roll their eyes from side to side, and finally smile—a signal that their unique natures had helped them find an interesting way to spend their time. Off they would scoot to some creative project, a good book, physical activity or simply play.
Sometimes I think that boredom in our country is treated like a weakness. We keep our children active, involved, consumed by their activities. Much stress is put on Moms (and Dads) to carpool them to lessons in everything from piano and dancing to cooking for kids and t-ball. Parents become completely responsible for and involved in their entertainment.
Busyness keeps kids out of trouble. But keeping them too busy robs them of the opportunity that enables the mind to know what to do now—what to do next. Of course, there is nothing wrong with organized activities. But too much of a good thing can stifle a child’s ability to entertain himself or herself. They need boredom occasionally to allow their brains to recharge and prep for the next creative challenge.
One wonders if all of this rushing about and filling every moment with activity might not be the cause of the massive amount of stress and situational depression we suffer as a community. We don’t allow ourselves time to process our experiences on an emotional level—and learn the spiritual lessons of life. (This, of course, is different than clinical depression.) Though technology has brought wonderful things into our lives, it has also enabled us to keep constantly “in touch,” never spending quiet time alone or having a moment of boredom.
I sometimes struggle with boredom myself. I shouldn’t. I have enough work to kill a plow horse, and I have family and friends who are always both a source of companionship and responsibility. But being bored is good for the soul. It precedes the “aha” moments in life. If that sounds impossible, think of it this way: without the empty mental space that boredom allows, nothing new and exciting can fill it. Boredom forces me to look outward, inward, resolve problems and make changes in my life–to discover that sweet spot of doing nothing.
This approach works in my writing. The time spent “cooking” my work—in other words the time when I allow my ideas to tumble around in the back of my mind while I do nothing at all about them—is well spent.
So, the next time your children (or your inner child) says, “Mommy, I’m BORED,” respond with “Boredom is the beginning of creativity. What are you going to do about that?” You will be pleasantly surprised at how much, if given time, your spirit can access and guide its creative nature—if it has the opportunity and permission to be occasionally bored.
I listened to NPR the other day. They had a timely special on the importance of allowing yourself (and children) to be bored–as a part of the creative process. I feel very validated. Thank you all for your comments. I read each carefully and take in what you have to offer.
I agree. I often feel bad for kids today. They are too busy to have time to dream or use their imaginations. I have fond memories of long, lazy, summer days, dreaming up all sorts of things to do, completely on our own.
Love the photo! I agree with your premise. I often think our society is afraid to be inactive, to have a much-needed moment of solitude, a moment of contemplation. When do people who are constantly connected have a chance to ponder, consider, have a moment of wonder? It’s a sad loss for them, and for society.
I agree with the importance of boredom & time to reflect & just be. The mind is amazing in it’s ability to work on things behind the scene & how it comes up with solutions, ideas, & insights when we least expect it. It does need down time to be able to do that. Hence the beauty of meditation, quiet time, & time to “be”.
A wonderful photograph and wise words: what a wonderful late afternoon treat. I have experienced the truth of your words. Often, when my mind is roaming mindlessly — in a plane, on a road trip, sitting in my living room watching the day end, strolling around the neighborhood, drinking coffee in the morning — I get a great idea for a new piece of writing or the perfect-fit word I’ve been trying to think of pops into my head. I like to think that my computer-like mind goes on scanning even when I’m not bossing it around.
Janet
Great insight well stated, Laurel. I find that with “time on my hands” I go deeper, more is coming, and sometimes it’s just a lesson in being in the present moment. Even now I have to work to give myself permission to be – well – non-productive. I can just sit and think or watch my thoughts and see how crazy they can sometimes get. It’s quite entertaining sometimes. And new “work” isn’t work. Sometimes it feels positively channeled.
Laurel, so well said and so very true! I totally agree that our kids now days are so scheduled with activities as well as being totally addicted to their electronic devices, that they cannot begin to think of things to do on their own. I am concerned about their social skills as they enter the job market and their ability to communicate with others.
Now that I am newly retired, I am hoping that boredom will never set in with me!
You are so right, Laurie. Inactivity does not necessarily equal boredom. Besides, as adults most of us suffer from too much to do rather than naught to do. We treasure those moments of quiet contemplation. So let those kids be bored, it doesn’t last very long anyway.
I remember you telling me this as a kid! What a great example of fantastic parenting. This is a great point of view. I like it quite a bit.
It would be good if I read the Bible every time I was bored…or prayed
Laurel, you always have such insightful thoughts. You are exactly right. I often get bored with aspects of photography. But, those moments give me pause to think and evaluate “Why?” It is then that I move in a different direction or come up with other ideas to pursue that energize me and re-excite the creative process. I also agree whole-hardheartedly that our kids are being robbed of valuable opportunities to grow their imagination and creative spirits by having adults constantly directing their activities. Free play is essential to their growth and development. I suppose that this pendulum will eventually swing back. I know my kids (thank goodness) realize the importance of allowing children time to just play on their own however that might be. Thank you, again, for your words of wisdom!
Hi Laurel,
All well said. I think too of the words, stuck, or wandering, or empty. And at those times I often go with a “flirt”, whatever catches my attention I often dive into, begin a project, big or small, and participate. Time dissappears when I’m involved. My main issue is keeping out the crtic. I talk with him and keep him at bay. What I often discover is fun, consuming and transforms my world. later, Marilyn