Learning how to lean into discomfort

Human beings are programmed to want to feel comfortable. This usually means we don’t love or lean into change because change is uncomfortable.

This is such an interesting concept because things are changing around us constantly. We witness the seasons changing, our bodies as we age, the day turning into night, our moods, and our thoughts.

Even though we are constantly surrounded by change, the thought of change can often be scary and unsettling. Part of the reason for this is that change asks us to move into the unknown. It wants us to move out of what is routine and comfortable into what is foreign and feels uncomfortable.

But what happens when what is routine is not actually serving us? Do we continue to do what feels comfortable even when it is no longer in our best interest or do we start to lean into what makes us feel uncomfortable?

One of my clients has been having ongoing health problems. She knows that if she keeps living her life in the same way, and doesn’t deal with the chronic stress she is under, she won’t be able to heal her body. But changing how she is currently doing things requires that she not only make changes but also that she deal with the emotional element of making the change. In order for her to start to feel better, she has to learn how to take time for herself.

This makes her feel very uncomfortable because she associates time for herself with being selfish which makes her feel guilty. These are challenging emotions. They are not easy to dive into. But, if she doesn’t lean into that discomfort, not only will she not be able to lower her stress levels and feel better, but she will end up getting even more run down, exhausted, and sick.

While some would say the status quo is not a bad thing, the status quo won’t take you where you want to go. And often, the people who discourage you from going for that change are the ones who are afraid to do it themselves.

On the other side of change and discomfort are growth and possibility. That is exactly what change does, it encourages you to grow into your potential. It challenges you to be someone you know deep down you can and want to be.

It takes courage to move forward and try something without knowing what the outcome will be, but it will always be worth the risk.

Keep moving forward my friend!