Ennui
en·nui
änˈwē/
noun
-
1.a feeling of listlessness and dissatisfaction arising from a lack of occupation or excitement.
synonyms: boredom, tedium, listlessness, lethargy, lassitude, languor, weariness, enervation.
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Many people around the world suffer from ennui. If you need proof check out your social media timeline on Friday at the close of business then again on Sunday night when the weekend finishes. You will find that the posts differ drastically. The Friday evening posts are, by and large, full of anticipation; the Sunday evening posts are full of dread.
Many people around the world suffer from ennui. If you need proof check out your social media timeline on Friday at the close of business then again on Sunday night when the weekend finishes. You will find that the posts differ drastically. The Friday evening posts are, by and large, full of anticipation; the Sunday evening posts are full of dread.
We've all have experienced this. We all know that it is a miserable way to live, no matter what your career is or how much money you have. But not many have escaped it.
There is only one way to overcome ennui, and the answer doesn't necessarily involve getting a new job (for some it night) or making more money. The way to overcome ennui is actually rooted in theology.
At this point I've just lost 80% of the people reading this blog (which is probably only 2 or 3).
Here's the deal. Because we do not understand what it means to work, and what it means to play, and what it means to rest, we are ultimately dissatisfied in all 3 areas, or make one bear the weight of the other two.
We don't work primarily to make money. We don't go out and have fun to endulge our senses. Neither do we rest only because we are tired or need to "recharge our batteries."
All 3 of these are actually a gift from God rooted in the divine actions of the Trinity (most specifically in creation). The chief meaning behind work is to mimic what God did in creation; namely, create a world full of opportunity where people can thrive and experience the goodness of God in community.
We rest as a reminder of several things, including the fact that God is in control. Our well being and security is not dependent upon our inability to clock out, it is dependent upon God who is the supplier of everything we need. Disciplined resting is an acknowledgement of that truth.
We "play," or have fun, because God has given us all things to enjoy. Therefore we should receive the gift and enjoy all things in a manner that pleases God!
When you de-theologize (in other words remove God) these things, you destroy any meaning that they have, and you make it all about "me," (I.e. I work to make money, I rest to recharge myself, I have fun to fulfill my own desires). This inevitably leads to ennui.
Place God back at the center. You will find meaning and satisfaction and joy once you do.