Boredom: A Brief Appreciation

     “I want to live my own life, sleep in my own bed—and not be bothered!” — Robert A. Heinlein

     Is your life exciting? If not, would you like it to be? If so, how much sleep do you get, on average?

     A lot of people seem to desire excitement. Whether it’s the thrill of reaching the peak of the mountain, the challenges of wheeling and dealing in commerce, or the all-consuming thrum of romance, they seek it. They claim to want it… that an unexciting existence is little better than the grave.

     There’s room in life for excitement. Most of us get some of it at some time in our lives, however long it might last. But the very nature of it should be food for thought.

     If your life is exciting at some time, that means it’s unsettled – that things are changing, and that the results of those changes are uncertain. You’re in the midst of dynamics you can’t wholly control or predict. So while there’s excitement, and the possibility of gains of some sort – achievement, love, triumph over an enemy or an obstacle — danger is involved as well.

     The greater part of a happy life is ruled by routine: the expected, with which one has already prepared to cope and which therefore holds no fears. Oh, there may be some trials of body or mind that involve modest risks, but even were you to fail those trials, you can be confident that you’d survive what would follow.

     Exciting times, for a happy person or a secure nation, must be exceptions. Just now, as I wrote earlier, we’re in for some excitement. The prospect should not please you. It certainly doesn’t please me.

     Why this subject, early on a Sunday morning in October? I was reflecting on what things and events, in this Year of Our Lord 2024, I strive to avoid. My friend, the late and much missed Remus of the Woodpile Report, understood this. He had much to say on how to brace oneself for unpleasant events… but he didn’t look forward to them. He counseled his readers to avoid them. “Stay away from crowds,” he said over and over. A crowd is a reliable indication that something exciting is happening or about to happen. Remus understood that; many others don’t.

     Boredom deserves appreciation. If things get really exciting after November 5 – the British “celebrate” Guy Fawkes Day on that date – a lot of Americans who’ve occasionally lamented the routine that governs their lives will appreciate routine, regularity, and boredom a whole lot more.

     Nothing too deep here, Gentle Reader. Just one of those early-morning thoughts. And now, it’s time for Mass. That reminds me: remember to pray. Prayer strikes many persons as monotonous – boring. That’s not a bug; it’s a feature. God never intended prayer to be exciting. He gave it to us, in part, as a way to calm ourselves while we await developments. Reflect on that when your routine gives you a moment.

4 comments

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    • Stacey L Foran on October 20, 2024 at 8:57 AM

    I sure miss Ol ‘Remus. I still anxiously await the archive of past issues that is pending.

  1. Mr. Porretto,

    I agree. Excitement can be deadly!!!

    May God Bless You and Your Family.

    Someone You Know

    • Linda S Fox on October 20, 2024 at 12:45 PM

    Yeah, one of the greatest thrills of my blogging life was a few times when I had work mentioned on Woodpile. I would like the family he left behind allow the archives to be restored – they were timeless.

    As far as prayer, it is my daily conversation with God.

    • Drumwaster on October 20, 2024 at 2:08 PM

    It is entirely possible for one to enjoy exciting things and yet remain unbothered by others, without having to limit oneself to solitary activities like hiking, model building or Sudoku. Just remember and realize that you are there for YOUR enjoyment and excitement levels, not theirs. Those exhibiting boorish behavior can easily be spotted and avoided, because they are not there for the excitement of the event or occasion, but solely to disrupt that of others. I had to give up the so-called “excitement” of being in a crowd at a sporting event, because while spotting the idiots is easier (about 12 in every dozen), the excitement would be the same on TV, with plenty of camera angles, instant replay, and no jerk behind you bitching about parking lot fees. (Even in the expensive seats.)

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