I tend to like all things comforting: soft beds, yummy food, fuzzy pets, warm socks, clean kitchens, and enjoyable fiction I can put down at any moment if it gets too intense. I shy away from all things uncomfortable: conflict and exercise being at the top of the list. A nice long walk with Wado dog is comforting. A three mile run is not. The thing about comfort is—it only lasts so long. Eventually a challenge will come up. And that’s how I grow and become a better person. Tackling a mountain will involve learning and strengthening aspects of myself that need to be faced and examined in order for me to transform into the best Jennie I can be. Instead of sitting in comfort until the ordeals find me, I should strive toward continual growth—which means marching up the mountain and saying to the universe, “Bring It!” But how easy is it to sit back and enjoy the status quo? I want to be the person to stand up for injustice even though it’s unpleasant. I can start by making hard decisions, and having those tricky conversations, and going back to hot yoga. Maybe I should be wary of comfort—because in it I’ve hit the pause button. Can I change into someone who enjoys rollercoasters and willingly signs up to complete a triathlon? Maybe I need to be more involved in the community, getting a chance to stand up for what is right and fair. I remember in my 20’s being so quick to take up the cause of everyone struggling to voice an inequality. I didn’t seek out comfort as I do now—I zipped through my karma at a surprising rate, altering myself as needed. There are countless things I don’t want to revive about that period in my life, but I would like to have back that ability to walk away from comfort and strive toward a passion. As I ponder all of this, I’m just going to slip on a pair of cozy socks and pour myself a glass of wine.
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Love this post! I thought too of my yoga teacher who says when we rest for just a moment, “Gather your energy!” before she tells us to do the next hard thing. Maybe we just need a few moments in between those mountain climbing expeditions to rest with the understanding that we’re going to have to get moving again any moment! 🙂
Yes I’ve had plenty of time to gather my energy… now it’s time to get some work done 🙂
For me? It’s all about the toe socks.
Maybe I should try them–I hear you either love ’em or hate ’em.
Hehe, I can totally relate to your feelings.
Now, I realize you’re talking figuratively about the mountain, but a few years ago I (literally) hiked straight up to the peak of a local mountain – something I was terrified to do. I almost turned back at the 1/4 way mark, then the 1/2 way mark, I cried, I stopped dozens of times along the way, and I swore up and down I would never leave my comfort zone again. But with a little support from a buddy and some major quieting of the mind, I made it to the top and the feeling was like nothing I’ve ever felt before.
I don’t think you can change into a person who enjoys roller coasters though. I for one am terrified of them and have just accepted it!
Also, those cozy socks and glass of wine sounds amazing.
It sounds very cliche but I think it’s all about balance. You can scale your mountains and celebrate with a drink.
Happy New Year!
Wow! Sounds like quite a climb! I would love the feeling of reaching the top–it’s just the work to get there that trips me up.
Hmmm, I can relate. I did so many things, both good and bad, in my 20s that I would never do now that I’m in my 30s – comfort does become much more important. But I also find that I am able to say no much more easily – which is good. I’m able to prioritize what is really important to me and focus on those things. That being said, I think you are correct, sometimes it IS good to get out of the comfort zone (but no way am I giving up my fuzzy slippers!).
Oh that’s what I need! Fuzzy slippers!
Don’t be afraid of the comfort, relish it
Roll in it
become one with it
then when bad stuff happens, you are -in- the comfort zone and able to handle it
That’s certainly a grand idea!
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