The art of boredom

Last weekend, I found myself in the last row on a crowded connecting flight.

It was one of those smaller planes that had even less space than usual – and the last row was no exception.

Besides the fact that I was uncomfortably squished in the back of the plane on an already stressful weekend trip with 4 flights in 2 days… I tried my best to make the most of it.

On the flight, there were no seat-back screens to pacify the passengers.

It was an evening flight, so it was already dark out.

And other than the obligatory pack of pretzel mix and a drink, I had nothing to keep me entertained.

My options were limited.

Choosing Boredom

Rather than trying to catch some sleep, I decided to do something different.

Something I try to do every once in a while – especially when traveling.

I decided to be bored.

I decided to just kinda… sit there and think.

What would come to mind?

How long could I sit there without distraction?

What problems might I solve?

So for a majority of the flight, I sat in my overly crowded seat, bored.

Within the ~2 hour flight, I admittedly did not solve any of the world’s major problems.

I watched what other people were up to.

I tried to steer my eyes clear of the woman watching a true crime documentary to my left (what the heck is the point of watching those?)

And I tried my hand at meditating for as long as I could.

But still, something about it felt refreshing. It felt good.

Hearing the Creative Call

Most often the hints of inspiration and direction are small, to hear the whispers the mind must also be quiet. –Rick Rubin

In a world where mindless distraction is at the click of a button at any moment, it’s more important than ever to make time to think.

To be bored.

To listen.

Because you never know what ideas are patiently waiting to surface.

But if we’re constantly filling our eyes and ears with something to keep us entertained, those ideas may never come to the light.

Action item: Block out one hour of time this week to do nothing.

Make it an hour of boredom. Stare at a wall. Go for a walk without headphones. Try to give your mind time to recognize things that may be getting suppressed by the noise of daily life.

Q: What comes to mind when you’re bored? Is there something bigger there to unpack?

P.S. After a lot of back and forth the past couple weeks trying to get this course live, I have exciting news about the launch of ​The Genius Journal​. Be on the lookout for an email in the next few days!

That’s all for today. Feel free to reply below and let me know what you think of the shorter format!

Have a blessed weekend.

–Eric Pfohl