The Fix For a "Boring Life" - Sei Shonagen - The Pillow Book

[@SornGeorge]

Incredible story, thanks for sharing. Our lives are not boring, we are just not paying enough attention.

[@theschooloflifetv]

A very concise summary of our point

[@richardlionheart3965]

exactly that. our modern lives, obsessing about what's going on inside the idiot lantern, leads us to abandon and ignore what's going on just outside the real window.

[@MsDamosmum]

@@richardlionheart3965😂😂🤣 I’m never going to refer to it as my phone again - from this day on it’s my idiot lantern

[@tehyosh]

i'm so poor i can't even afford to pay attention :(

[@richardlionheart3965]

Being bored is the most freedom anyone will ever have

[@dongoebel3659]

I’d say there is almost a privilege in being bored. Maybe the mind isn’t in a state of constant worry, so it becomes ‘bored’ and this is seen as a negative. Or maybe a lack of drama in life and things become ‘boring’. A need for excitement and adventure to eliminate any sense of ‘boring’. A person is bored? Or feels boring? So your not feeling concern, regret or unfulfilled in any way then? Sounds like a blessing being framed as a negative.

[@alessandro1484]

spent the last decade wanting to be bored. it finally happened recently. was liberating!

[@jakemiller9393]

Interesting. Thanks for the perspective

[@Ishani933]

Words of wisdom.

[@Strix358]

Or one could be bored by everything. Which can be an often overlooked symptom for depression.

[@tomroz5046]

I like this quote a lot: "A boring day at home is far more better then an interesting day at work"

[@hysteriawysteria]

that is only true for some jobs, not all

[@awaisbillah3186]

I love that! What i woukdnt do to sit at home and be bored

[@bobsmith6042]

🤣😭😂❤👍👍

[@brewskii9580]

Why is that?

[@anima94]

@@brewskii9580 boredom is a kind of ressource on its own, nowadays we are pretty much deprived of it, I can't remember the last time I have been bored..

[@SearchOfSelf]

The beauty in the ordinary can often be more fulfilling than the pursuit of grand adventures or material possessions. The laughter of friends, the comfort of an inviting home or the soothing feel of a hearty meal. Such small enjoyments make up the greatest of life's treasures ♥

[@kayskreed]

Nothing wrong with boredom. It gives us a chance to slow down and reflect. Boredom is also oftentimes the seed of inspiration, or a desire to try something new. The problem with modern life is the overabundance of choice that makes it increasingly difficult to concentrate.

[@nicolaiqbal6823]

I cannot help thinking that there is another aspect to this, especially when people are young/teenagers etc. Looking back, I often think I would often be inwardly happy with a quiet life, if it wasn't for others advertising/boasting about the exciting things they get up to - it starts young as teenagers with people bragging about parties they attend, drinking, drug taking, sexual conquests etc. And at all ages, I think social media amplifies things too, with people constantly posting "exciting" things they do such as holidays, dates, sports, parties etc. Their message seems to be: my life is so much more interesting than yours, do keep up!! You can be quite happy with your boring life until exposed to this kind of outside pressure. Making it hard for the naturally shy among us and for people with health or financial barriers that mean they cannot do "exciting" things. As you can tell, I am not on social media and was a high school nerd 😂😂😂😅

[@rizzamaeong]

can relate.

[@BizarroJoe]

Thanks. I really needed this. Long ago a teacher that I LOVE inadvertently said something that stuck with me and shaped my perspective greatly. "Boring people get bored." Never wanting to be a boring person, I became anxious if I felt I wasn't doing something. That anxiety threw some RAGING parties with my depression that nearly took me out. But another of your videos helped. Each day I remind myself that Sisyphus must be happy.

[@trpweb]

I agree with your teacher. When you have an active imagination, it's hard to get bored. You can always do something on your own. Even daydream to entertain yourself. Boring people to me are those who can't enjoy their own company.

[@camoumilecamoflage8875]

The way I interpret the teacher's statement, "boring people get bored" does not mean throw a party everyday otherwise you are boring. To me, it means having the appreciation for the simple things, finding joy in the mundane. If you are the opposite of a boring person i.e. a fun person, then you can find joy even when you are just trying a new recipe, petting a cat, cleaning the house, chatting on the phone etc. You will never get bored because it's not that you are doing exciting things, it's that you yourself are a fun person. 😊

[@ItsMe-sx9ck]

Feeling bored is actually better than spending time doing unnecessary things

[@ItsMe-sx9ck]

@@behrangsa sure bro

[@amulyamishra5745]

You're being self contradictory.

[@jacob_massengale]

@@amulyamishra5745 explain

[@jamends1220]

Is something unnecessary if it gives you enjoyment?

[@Drakelett]

That's why it's used as penal labour. For example: "Shot drill involved stooping without bending the knees, lifting a heavy cannonball slowly to chest height, taking three steps to the right, replacing it on the ground, stepping back three paces, and repeating, moving cannonballs from one pile to another." en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penal_labour

[@SN-sz7kw]

Shonagen was also a marvelous gossip with strong opinions - esp regarding the habits of her lovers. The book is quietly hilarious. I read it as part of an Asian studies degree and it has been a favorite ever since. Highly recommended if you are a patient reader. 😊

[@margo3367]

Why do you have to be a “patient reader”? I’m serious, because I was thinking of buying the book.

[@charmedprince]

​@@margo3367maybe it's not as thrilling as 50 Shades yet more philosophical

[@SN-sz7kw]

@@margo3367 It’s more of an “observational” read & gives a lot of insight into the culture of the period. But no plot or character development going on. Just her opinions, observations, & record of activity. Still I loved it - to get inside the mind of a person of that time and place. Wonderful.

[@margo3367]

@@SN-sz7kw It sounds wonderful, celebrating the simple life.

[@jeraldbaxter3532]

There are several translations around, of varying quality and length; not all translations have the exact same entries. Can anyone please recommend a "definitive" and most complete English translation, please?

[@Animeraccoon]

I just watched this video and realized that how beautiful the wind is blowing through grass.

[@tadpole53]

Today I was wide awake while my boyfriend was next to me taking a nap, and I put my legs up on the wall and just started looking at the way my tendons moved across the top of my feet whenever I wiggled my toes. And I thought about how if he woke up, he would probably ask me what I was doing. It wouldn't be hard to explain that I was looking at the tendons in my feet, but it would be hard to explain why. "What is it fun to look at?" explained it perfectly. It's just fun and satisfying to look at things like that sometimes.

[@andersdottir1111]

I often ponder on the nicest time of day; for me it’s always dusk. No need to bustle around to get ready to go out, chores are usually done, there might be a sunset to admire, I like to play records at dusk and remember when I was young and hearing those songs for the first time.

[@artlover3120]

Your videos always come in the right time...!!! I was just questioning my existence and saying my life is so boring and I'm incompetent I work and maybe that's why I feel bored or boring Thank you for the precious videos

[@MusiicRoolz]

by the sounds of it, you should definitely evaluate your life and what you're doing even if you're able to appreciate life more.

[@darkhelmetsplane]

This reminds me of Matsuo Basho's poems where the simplest things in life are the most profound.

[@EveofPyrite]

I can relate to that lady since I’m home all the time . Recently I have been feeling unfulfilled there are many things that I want yet they seem so far away from me. I guess I should start taking not of the small things around me . Maybe that will bring a bit more happiness to my life.

[@hreodbeorhtcheesewright4889]

@@m2pozad "taking note".

[@nias3202]

❤

[@yavrielsechelle7431]

Life Is pretty boring, but I look forward to the fresh ideas that come sometimes daily.

[@theschooloflifetv]

We would highly recommend keeping a journal to catch these ideas when they come!

[@yavrielsechelle7431]

@@theschooloflifetv Oh yes. I do that. One day I might do something with them.

[@theschooloflifetv]

What's an interesting question you might ask as a way of helping yourself (and others) appreciate life's beauty? Pose it in the comments for others to answer

[@jaughnekow]

Why is honesty seen as a bad thing?

[@jacob_massengale]

Is the sunlight distorted through patterned clouds merely conducive to a primordial gratification or does it transmit truths more concrete and specific?

[@queso8175]

Why are people so afraid of being their true authentic selves? Acceptance?

[@dewi9611]

If you could be a bird, where will you go?

[@andresa.ruizv.7413]

"What will be worth destroying for you in order to create life from it?" I don't know if am accidentally quoting someone, but this is a question that it is very relevant in my life, think it's about change and how, with the positive and educated actions, we can improve life or live better, or even create life from destruction.

[@IvoryDragonfly]

This is lovely. My partner is a physician. Our lives are perpetually chaos to which others say they are envious. It has its perks, security for example, but it allows little time to observe like this video describes. I find myself trying to force that kind of time these days. This video is excellent at describing how to embrace a moment.

[@realbobbyaxel]

Alain's voice is Awesome

[@AniSxuxu]

It's not impossible to create Something out of Nothing. Art has taught me this 🖤✨. Brilliant video, as always ✨🙌🤍

[@heavenlysteel8337]

I wish I could be bored again. When I turned 23 last November, I developed anxiety that got worse and worse and here I am now. I'm almost never calm enough to get bored, just less nervous. Even the slightest thought of responsibility or obligation; attending uni, going to work, meeting up with friends - casts me into a spell of doom. It's funny cause before all this, I was starting to complain about feeling nothing most of the time.

[@hillarylirak]

this came up at the perfect time!!! I always found myself feeling bored, asking why my life is so boring, seeing everything as the same old routine. this brings light to what changes I should make to enjoy my life a little bit more. thank you! :)

[@vasiliki8]

Μέσα στον ορυμαγδό της ζωής ξεχνάμε τα βασικά της ύπαρξης μας εδώ το κορίτσι αυτό μας υπενθυμίζει την ουσία της απλότητας που είναι και το υπέρτατο ταξίδι της αυτογνωσίας και της αυτοεξελιξης! Ευχαριστούμε!

[@sparkledarkle.]

Thank you for your insightful videos. I recognize so many things from Sei Shonagen's life and outlook and I am thankful for seeing the lovely details and small gestures of kindness around me and in me. But even so, I struggle with finding meaning in my 'small life' (no job, no relationship, no travels, only two meaningful friendships, no contact with family, living in a small house in the city, no purpose, no perspective).

[@SadButter]

It's uncanny how on the nose this upload is, seeing I recently got into reading and writing poems. Definitely gonna use this for ideas.

[@trinaq]

Thanks so much for your videos, they're always very thought provoking, and encourage me to live my life to the full. ❤️

[@m2pozad]

Admit it Trina, you are a like collector.

[@OtsileM]

Good to hear from Alain again

[@Rukain]

Your videos and lessons are cherished and deeply appreciated.

[@blume1186]

I think boredom comes from being in your head and thoughts. But when you live and feel deeply, and you are deeply in contact with the world, then its not at all. Actually the the questions the woman asked are also connected with her feeling, what she thinks is romantic, what ennoys her and so on.....so I think she also lived deeply

[@thecurrentmoment]

I sometimes think that we only have a limited bandwidth for things we can pay attention to (we can adjust it a bit through practice) and so we simply cannot have an in-depth experience of a million things, there is a real limit to how much experience we can get out of life. If you travel somewhere, you can spend your whole time in one place and get a deep understanding of that one place, or you can go to multiple places and have a more superficial understanding of each place. So you can either have a broad experience of life, a deep experience of life, or something in between, and you can even optimise it a bit and take advantage of some synergy, but ultimately you can never have an in-depth understanding or appreciation of everything. What this video reminds me of is that when I am stimulated by new things all the time, my perception of normal everyday things is limited, whereas when I am bored, sick or depressed, my attention is often focused on my immediate surroundings and I notice the colours, sounds, climate, sights, etc, especially in nature. If I am living an exciting life I often barely notice if there is a frost, but if I have a calm, peaceful or (gasp!) a BORING life at that time, I am more likely to notice it. I have thought in the past that feeling peaceful is essentially being ok with bored, at least in some sense. Basically, whether you are bored or at peace, either way you have nothing to do, and if you are ok with that, it is peaceful, but if you are not, then you are bored. So being bored is basically not being ok with nothing to do. Kind of an addiction to stimulation. George Leonard said "boredom is the obsessive search for novelty" in his book Mastery. It seems that there is a certain state of mind (I guess you could call it peacefulness, awareness, flow, focus, etc) where there is nothing you have to do besides pay attention to the present moment. It seems to be a theme amongst ideas in mastery, peace, happiness, appreciation, etc

[@JennWatson]

I haven’t been bored since KZbin! 😁

[@rtab722]

I’m not Japanese but I heard the name “Pillow Book” was not made by Sei Shonagon herself - actually she probably didn’t name it at all because it was just her diary, which she had no intention of publishing. It was named by others who discovered and published it - thus it had quite a few of different names, I think.

[@79E13]

simply beautiful content

[@theschooloflifetv]

We're touched you think so

[@joseantonioestrella4752]

It doesn’t cease to amaze me how competent we are as living crucibles for operating the transmutation of blessings into curses. We’re such a basic species that when we achieve what we aimed for immediately feel that wasn’t what we needed. We’ll only be happy once we realise there’s nothing to strive for; and that we’re already in our destination - i.e. never.

[@Existing_Echo]

The fact that I wake up every day trumps the feeling of boredom.

[@theschooloflifetv]

Life itself is always a consolation for boredom

[@bebe8842]

"The pillow book", well, the title describes perfectly THE most of the environment she got in her life. the space she most of her time lived in, experienced, seen and felt, her home.

[@KuehneZoneify]

Thanks for sharing this. It feels like she achieved the goal of journaling 😊

[@evrimpekaslan]

I love my boring life & dull routines 👍🏻☺️💖🌷

[@rizzamaeong]

Same. haha... i'm happy because i got what i want. the simple, mundane day to day life.

[@kalevala29]

I think my favorite book that demonstrates what life was really like for women like Shonagen is called The Gossamer Years, and it's the diary of a noblewoman written in the Heian period. My copy was published by Tuttle, and it shouldn't be hard to find online. I would recommend it to those who are fans of the Tale of Genji or the Pillow Book.

[@dbuhler171]

Sounds like she was very much "in the present" and being aware of the beauty that is around us all the time instead of being concerned about the future or the past.

[@jeraldbaxter3532]

The Heian Period Imperial court, where Sei Shonagon served as a lady - in -waiting was devoted \ centered around the "cult of beauty;" not just physical appearance, but EVERYTHING. Reputations were by one's taste, the ability to match perfectly the various shades in the multilayered robes they wore; nobles won promotions by their ability to effortlessly compose poetry, etc. A love note won hearts if not only the sentiment was correct, but also the color of the paper, the flower attached to the note, even the messenger who delivered the note. Many view this period as decadent, because the Emperor and Imperial court were slowly losing power to the warrior class. This may be true, but Heian Era was one of the rare places where aesthetics truly predominated. You might also read the "Diary of Murasaki Shikibu", who served an empress who was rival to Shonagon's mistress; the two writers were opposites - Shonagon was witty, caustic and famous for being able to quote poems appropriate to the moment. Murasaki, who wrote " The Tale of Genji", was shy and scholarly; naturally they loathed each other. There are several translations of each diary; I will not recommend one, as it's a matter of individual preference, but if you have even a small interest in Japanese culture, it is a very interesting read.

[@hs6997]

@The School of Life Thank you very much for the wonderful video that introduced to the fascinating historical figures of Japan. However, I noticed that there were some inaccuracies in the images used in the video, such as incorrect time periods. If you could kindly review and correct these inaccuracies, I believe the video could become even more amazing.

[@Avendale]

"It's only after we've lost everything, that we're free to do anything"

[@paulonetto9652]

I've had this book in my list for quite some time, but now it'll have to be the next thing I'll read, just after I finish "A man called Ove".

[@BakaNeBaka]

If I had that job profile, I'd luxuriate in such an observational life quite conveniently. I am an old school person and it annoys me to no end to see that in moments of quietude and when others are around, people are scrolling away on their phones. I know I'm on my laptop but I check out stuff when I'm by meself and not when others are around.

[@alessandradmnq6258]

Take notice. Notice what you're noticing. We can enjoy our aloneness.."For it is only when one is alone that he is truly free"-Arthur Shopenhauer

[@kazuekubo7696]

Sei sho nagon was a woman who lived in Heian era(around 1000 AD). But the illustrations you used look people in Edo era(about 1600-1900)😅

[@cominoengenharia]

This came in soo timely! Thanks for sharing this outstanding piece of wisdom!

[@arghavanjoon]

No hard feeling but I think it was last year that Alan B stopped narrating and it was about that time that I lost my interest for the School of Life. So glad he is back, it is very easy to hear words and listen to the teaching. Plz keep Alan as the narrator 😅

[@gamdanyunizar7849]

It's Alain! Glad you're back!

[@hayleyquinnx94]

my partner lamented he was boring and I said boring is just a negative way to say reliable. I love the little things in life so much, I feel like every day there's something fun or silly or interesting

[@kratikmudgal4393]

Wow it's so cool to see you people still uploaded after so many years

[@comanchedase]

"That's why I take pleasure in details: a quarter pound with cheese, a laughter seconds before it becomes a cackle, the sky 10 minutes before it starts to rain...and I ride my own melt."

[@innerlocus]

When I was young, I wished there was something that would answer all my questions, today I have all the information in the world at my fingertips, and for anything, I question from food to physics and in many formats. 🤔

[@afreen5058]

Absolutely gonna read this!!!

[@tobyokoi0909]

So basically, lead with curiosity, and respect and appreciate the complex artistry of the seemingly simple life around you.

[@HunterTiberisBojangles]

Thank you.

[@theartworks232]

Your videos are free therapy.

[@DanielMcBrain]

“There is a lot of beauty in ordinary things”

[@joedavis4150]

... All the wisest people of all times have said two things... Simplify, and look to Nature

[@hgracern]

Lovely. Ultimately tho, nothing exists. Maybe that’s the fear behind boredom, idk. ❤

[@1life_Only]

In the age of everything “fast” from food, love, sex and everything in between..we got to go back to our roots if we are to save ourselves from a Great Depression.

[@mielenalkemiaa]

Living an interesting life or being an interesting person is not matter of outside circumstances, but one's attitude

[@jeraldbaxter3532]

It's not so much what happens to us as it is what we think about what happens to us.

[@nias3202]

Thank you, dear School of Life! You've accompanied my whole youth and always made me feel less alone. Much love.

[@bruh_hahaha]

“boring” is relative. What may be boring to one person may be time well spent for another. Example, I love gardening and bonsai. Most of my friends think it’s boring but I would much rather spend all weekend in my garden than step foot in a bar.

[@TheAmro003]

Incredible story, thanks for sharing

[@ellekay852]

Oh I loved this!!! Thank you Alain

[@ThisIsMyFullName]

Is it strange that I never feel bored? I'm curious whether anyone else have a difficult time remembering when you last felt like you had nothing to do? I always feel like I have something I can do, whatever ever mood I'm in, and if I - on a very rare occasion one late evening - feel like doing nothing, I usually just go to bed early.

[@isabellas.c.scanderbeg2670]

Wonderful ✨✨✨ Thank you

[@leightonolsson4846]

Our observations and imagination can make our interior world completely at odds with our exterior existence, for better and for worse.

[@shannonnicolewilkinson]

Okay. That was good. Like, really good. 🙌🏼 🙌🏼 🙌🏼 #inspired

[@varadimarjerie3386]

What is the sound that soothes your soul?

[@MusiicRoolz]

100% appreciate your life and if you're happy and stable, yes it naturally might be boring, but if you're not happy with your life and you're unfufilled.. go change it

[@etuheu]

Ryan Davis used to say "If you're bored, you're boring"

[@realbobbyaxel]

Keep making such amazing films @Theschooloflife

[@Sachie465]

Sei Shonagon did not write it out of boredom. As the tutor of the empress Teishi, she is said to have written it to comfort Teishi when the emperor died and her authority was weakened. Sei Shonagon writes about her experiences at court and about nature that she finds ‘をかし’, which means quaint and interesting. And by the way, why don’t you show the illustrations of the Heian period?

[@rc-mf2os]

This brought me to tearing up.

[@hiitskasumi]

It's Sei Shōnagon*

[@marlonjormungand7845]

The epitome of "meditation is life"

[@gailaltschwager7377]

Thank you!

[@Sebastian-ke1fe]

It actually can not be boring this world is very gigantic but at the same time very small but there's a lot of things in this world I mean worth it things I mean information is unlimited this world can not be boring, just saying there's a lot things to do in order to reach the stars common let's built the future of this humankind

[@aasisters7910]

Very excellent

[@musososeki]

It's "Shonagon," (more properly, "Shōnagon,") not "Shonagen." Your intern got it right in the description, AdB

[@sicelomkhwanazi]

Find interest in small things 💎

[@LA_HA]

"Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens..."

[@varadimarjerie3386]

What is a small thing you can do each day that creates a realm of beauty around you?

[@nanov5329]

@The School of Life Please correct the mistake in the video title and narration: ✕ Sei Shonagen 〇 Sei Shonagon cf. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sei_Sh%C5%8Dnagon

[@nanov5329]

Unsubscribed from this channel. Appalling how it lacks respect.

[@hienluu54]

if it's the author of Pillow Book you're talking about, I believe her name is Sei Shonagon, not Shonagen. Please review if necessary. Thank you.

[@remi2569]

It’s seisho nagon

[@doritoz98]

Wonderful

[@haveaseatmarj]

So potent💮🏔️

[@Gayoinion]

Boring = comfortable

[@atheistsince1210]

Thanks for the clarification I loved the Tale of Genji I was prejudiced based on the “pillow” in the title I assumed she was a geisha girl not that that’s not interesting I’m just past all the sex sex sex sex sex. No I can read this it’s more contemplative and philosophical.

[@TockaMea]

Boring - is just another thought

[@apuravsharma7034]

too good man too good

[@SopanKotbagi]

Aah, the luxury of feeling bored...

[@timothyknoll4417]

I was just thinking about this kind of thing. How to enjoy the small things in life

[@varadimarjerie3386]

What's a lovely book title?

[@nizasiamehenry]

So insightful, Thankyou #Tsol. 🎉

[@fernandotrevinocastro1018]

Dayum, reinvented filosophy on a boring afternoon, move aside humanity, let homegirl cook I gotta get me some boredom

[@dupeshway]

Boredom is a mask that Frustration wears