Sloth and torpor or laziness and sleepiness is a difficult hindrance to overcome. When it arises, everything feels heavy and even tasks that would normally not appear difficult seem as though they are insurmountable. When the mind is afflicted with such a heavy laziness, we have less productive time available to complete our work so there is a greater imperative to set priorities.
Whenever we are met with difficulty that is when our underlying character will show itself. On the one hand, this is a positive development because it makes it possible for us to effect improvements. If we don’t know the problem, we are unable to do anything about it. On the other hand, difficulties such as the presence of a lazy mind state, can lead to serious problems unless we have prepared by setting clear priorities.
If we have made it a priority to train in mindfulness, sloth and torpor, when it arises, will not have very much impact on us. For most of us, we cannot expect to escape from the grasp of hinderances such as laziness and sometimes such conditions will be very intense. However, when we know which tasks are important, it does not matter much that we only have limited time because the time that is available will get used where it’s needed the most.
How can we access the wisdom that is needed to set priorities and the confidence that is needed to let go of those things that are less valuable or even a detriment? The solution is to train ourselves how to observe what is happening in the present moment. Once we learn the happiness and contentment that is already available to us right now, our top priority will surely become ensuring that those moments do not pass us by.