boredom is the homelier twin of presence

When I embarked on presence as my theme for the year, I hadn’t expected to learn about boredom. Half a year in, I’ve realised just how closely intertwined the two are. Boredom, in essence, seems to me to be the homelier and less glamorous twin of presence. Presence is easy to market. In a time when we can feel our attention becoming hopelessly fragmented, it feels like a very real oasis in a desert filled with parched sand and mirages. Take mindful breaths. Be fully here in the now. I don’t mean to imply there is anything wrong with being present; quite the contrary. I am convinced it is a lifeline to being human. But what nobody wants to tell you about being present is that you are also going to be very bored. It’s that impulse that makes you reach for your phone when you’re waiting to cross the road, or listen to music or a podcast on your commute. Why do you do these things? Because you’re bored. Why are you bored? Because the truth is, being present is boring. At least, to most…