Boredom while running
So many people say they get ‘bored’ when they run. (Could running be used as an experimental ‘boredom’ manipulation?) But what about people who do enjoy running? Perhaps its because they are running with other people or they are listening to music. But if they are running alone and without music, perhaps they are unintentionally engaging in some type of mindfulness practice e.g. a type ‘mindfulness of body/nature’?
Three ways we attempt to deal with objects of desire/addiction (two more traditional, one more modern):
1) Banish or ‘cover up’ the object of desire e.g. ban alcohol, force woman (and men) to hide most of their bodies from public view,
2) Remove or distance oneself from the object e.g. become a monk in a monastery, keep no alcohol or junk food in the house,
3) Permit oneself to be in the presence of the object of desire, and rely on self-discipline or mindfulness to engage with this object in a ‘responsible’ healthy way.
This last way seems to involve the most ‘freedom’ and yet so many of us are hooked on at least *something* e.g. overeating, smoking, alcohol or other drugs …
Insight Junkie 