ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an illustration of the second wave approach, in the form of a case study on an emotion that is generally regarded as negative and undesirable, namely boredom. It suggests that, if boredom is engaged within a certain spirit, it has the potential to be a positive and rewarding experience. The chapter presents five main ways in which boredom can potentially be of value: altered time perceptions, curiosity towards the external world, creativity, freedom from choice, and exploration of "the self. Boredom is almost universally regarded as a negative, undesirable mental state. Boredom invariably affects time perception, seeming to slow down the subjective passing of time. Lack of interest in one's environment is a defining feature of boredom as conventionally. The great potential virtue of boredom is the facilitation of creativity. Positive outcome associated with boredom is a paradoxical sense of freedom. Boredom can be a means of self-exploration, of coming face to face with oneself.
