Indolence

Human indolence, or laziness, can have any number of causes. Indolence can stem from malnutrition. It can also stem from sated complacency. Indolence can be a symptom of addiction. Opiates can cause a metabolic indolence. Hangovers from alcohol often cause indolence. Depression is another case of indolence.

Whatever the cause of indolence, one remedy is effective. That remedy is structure, tempered with peer expectations and encouragement. By stimulating the brain of the indolent person and encouraging programmed activity, supervisors and peers can make a great difference. This takes persistence and commitment on the part of those who care for the indolent person. Ignoring indolence is the surest way of making it and its causes worse.

Depression and addiction are common causes of indolent behavior, but there seems to be an increasing trend toward indolence in the more affluent youth in America. In creative enterprises, there is a glut of repackaging of the past. This has been very apparent in the film industry. Actualizing an original idea takes tremendous energy and dedication. Perhaps information technology is partly to blame by enabling more sedentary behavior, associated with electronic media.

In my own experience, indolence has been a problem only when I have lost the pulse of my daily practice. If I over-commit or do not commit enough to my physical well being,  I experience metabolic and psychological lethargy. I have conditioned myself to respond to this cue immediately with a walk in fresh air or an increase in my daily structure. Indulging laziness is fruitless. Living in cycles of lethargy in combination with reactive hyperactivity is self-defeating. Maintaining a healthy daily practice leads to consistent energy to maintain mindfulness and compassion.