The Hidden Key To Gratitude

Lessons From Bread

I remember a rainy Sunday afternoon, not too long ago, when I found myself with absolutely nothing to do. The constant pitter-patter of rain against the windowpane seemed to echo the monotony inside.

I was bored, really bored, with no escape from the stillness of the moment. It was then that a passage from Marcus Aurelius came to mind:

“...The way loaves of bread split on top in the oven; the ridges are just by-products of the baking, and yet pleasing, somehow; they rouse our appetite without our knowing why” (3.2)

This quote, seemingly simple, holds a profound truth about the value of boredom and finding gratitude in the mundane. In our fast-paced world, where every moment is filled with stimuli, boredom is often seen as an enemy, something to be avoided at all costs.

Why Be Bored

But what if we embraced it instead? What if we saw boredom as an opportunity to appreciate the ordinary, the everyday, the seemingly insignificant?

Boredom, in its essence, strips away the distractions and leaves us with nothing but our own thoughts and the world around us in its simplest form. It’s in these moments of apparent dullness that we can deeply observe and appreciate the little things—the way light filters through a window, the pattern of raindrops on glass, the smell of coffee brewing in the kitchen.

Take the example of the loaves of bread in Marcus’ quote. There’s something inherently satisfying about their simple, rustic beauty—the golden crust, the way they split on top, the warm, comforting aroma. These are everyday occurrences, yet in moments of boredom, when our minds are unoccupied, we can find a deep sense of gratitude and pleasure in them.

Boredom also allows us to be present. Without the constant pull of activities and distractions, we can truly inhabit the moment, observe our surroundings, and engage with our inner selves. It’s an opportunity for introspection, for asking ourselves what truly matters.

Boredom can be a catalyst for creativity. How often have we found that the best ideas come to us not in the midst of chaos, but in moments of calm and quiet? When the mind is unoccupied, it’s free to wander, to explore, to invent.

Embracing Boredom

So next time you find yourself bored, resist the urge to immediately fill the void with distractions. Instead, take a moment to appreciate the simplicity around you. Notice the small details you usually overlook. Allow your mind to wander and see where it takes you. You might just find that there’s a surprising amount of beauty and inspiration in the mundane.

Boredom is not just a gap to be filled. It’s an invitation to slow down, to appreciate, and to be truly present in our lives. In the words of Marcus Aurelius, it’s the unassuming ridges on a loaf of bread that can unexpectedly rouse our appetite and remind us of the simple pleasures of life.

Embrace the quiet, the stillness, the simplicity. There’s a world of wonder to be found in the ordinary, if only we take the time to look.

Brains Gains 

What are you grateful for today? 

Happy Thanksgiving to the American BigNerds! I’m grateful for all of you. Seeing you guys read these emails and getting kind messages from Big Nerds fill me with joy! I’m thankful.

Your friend,

Noah “BigNerd” Sochaczevski

PS. We are just ONE WEEK AWAY from starting CLEAR THINKING! It’s a practical book that you’ll find improves your life before you even finish it.

* This is one of my favorite passages in Meditations. Book 3, Verse 2. A beautiful passage about the beauty of decay