Spring 2011:  Comfort Zones

So how did being “comfortable” get to be such a high value?  Hmmmm…

Have you noticed how advertisements in the various media putting out strong messages that it’s not okay, it’s not good, you shouldn’t ever have to be uncomfortable?  Usually, this message is followed by the suggestion that if you buy this, or eat this, or swallow this, you won’t be uncomfortable.

Think about this.  By convincing us consciously and unconsciously to stay inside our Comfort Zones, by encouraging us to not move into new (unknown) territory, physically, intellectually or emotionally, it’s an effective way to keep us “small”, and fearful — which can undermine our ability to build deep and strong relationships and communities, plus discourage us from dreaming new and big.

Cindy Kamler, the woman who taught me improvisation back in 1975 had this saying: “Follow the fear.”  I didn’t understand this in my early experiences with improvisation training and performing because I was having so much fun, completely inside my comfort zone.  It wasn’t until I had my own improv theater troupe and started trying new things, really stretching, that I experienced any fear.  Then I understood.  When I was out on the edge, doing stuff I’d never done before, I started getting nervous.  As I chose to move into that fear, that unknown, rather than back away from it, doing stuff I knew, I felt excited, energized, exhilarated.

The nervousness (fear) signaled the outer edge of my Comfort Zone, and I found that what lay beyond was well worth the temporary discomfort – it was where I began the process of discovering, revealing, expressing all these capabilities I wasn’t aware of.  And, of course, this encouraged my desire to leap past that “barrier” called “My Comfort Zone” whenever I hit it – and it manifests itself in many areas of my life.

So… is this resonating with you?  Is there an area of your life where you are retreating from that illusionary barrier, and missing out on the thrill of what’s beyond your Comfort Zone?  Are you more curious about who you might be if you went exploring “out there”?

Spring is a fine time for new beginnings; and think about this:  a new beginning for any of us probably lies outside of our Comfort Zone.

Hmmmmmm…… Love to hear back from you on this subject.