Mindfulness practice is simply paying attention to this moment and watching everything that appears and disappears in our mind. Sometimes this practice can lead a sense of relaxation and calm. Sometimes it can lead to a sense of boredom and resistance.
So what do we do when we find ourselves feeling bored during meditation? That is such an interesting question! Why is it that we never ask “what do I do when I feel relaxed?” Why is it that we never ask “what do I do when I feel content and at peace?” Because we like feeling relaxed, content, and at peace. So we feel no need to change it. We don’t like feeling bored, so when we see boredom appear, we think we have a problem.
So why don’t we like boredom? That is a very interesting thing to investigate. Many of us dislike boredom so much that we might even habitually engage in certain behaviors so that we don’t have to feel this boredom.
What would it be like to just watch this feeling that we call “boredom?” Just observe the thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations associated with this feeling. Perhaps there are some recurring thoughts: “I’m so bored! I can’t take this anymore! Why am I even doing this (meditation)? I can’t wait for this to be over.” We might even notice how the boredom borders on or morphs into mild frustration. Whatever it is, we can just observe it. When we can do that, we are just watching it, like we watch everything else that arises in our mind.
The more we are willing to do that, the more we will get to know this boredom. The process will require some humility and persistence, to be sure. But as we get to know boredom more intimately, it will teach us something about ourselves. Why do we dislike boredom—fear it, even? What if we can be indifferent—that is, nonjudgmental—toward boredom? Would it mean that we won’t have to be bossed around by it? What would that be like? That is a process and journey that does not seem boring at all!
Mindfulness FAQ 