Daily Om: Outside The Comfort Zone

Here is today's Daily Om, which is a message I can use since I tend to often live too much within my comfort zone (although, I'd have to say that has changed quite a bit in the last week or two).

Outside The Comfort Zone
Things We Don’t Want To Do

Most of us have had the experience of tackling some dreaded task only to come out the other side feeling invigorated, filled with a new sense of confidence and strength. The funny thing is, most of the time when we do them, we come out on the other side changed and often wondering what we were so worried about or why it took us so long. We may even begin to look for other tasks we’ve been avoiding so that we can feel that same heady mix of excitement and completion.

Whether we avoid something because it scares us or bores us, or because we think it will force a change we’re not ready for, putting it off only creates obstacles for us. On the other hand, facing the task at hand, no matter how onerous, creates flow in our lives and allows us to grow. The relief is palpable when we stand on the other side knowing that we did something even though it was hard or we didn't want to do it. On the other hand, when we cling to our comfort zone, never addressing the things we don’t want to face, we cut ourselves off from flow and growth.

We all have at least one thing in our life that never seems to get done. Bringing that task to the top of the list and promising ourselves that we will do it as soon as possible is an act that could liberate a tremendous amount of energy in our lives. Whatever it is, we can allow ourselves to be fueled by the promise of the feelings of exhilaration and confidence that will be the natural result of doing it.

This post mostly deals with tasks and things we avoid doing, but many of us live within our comfort zones -- to the neglect of our souls -- in many other ways as well.

We may not look for a new job out of fear of change; we may not leave a bad relationship because we are comfortably numb; we may not move to a new city because we are afraid we may not meet new friends.

But all change, especially change that challenges our comfort zone, is an opportunity for growth. Being stuck in our comfort zone is a good way to stagnate and wither away. It's never easy, but if we can open to it, we seldom regret the learning and growth that can come from trying new things.

Tags: Daily Om, Outside The Comfort Zone, personal growth, self exploration, avoidance, tasks, change, stagnation