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Comfort & Discomfort - Article from our Life Coaching Programs
Comfort & Discomfort
Marie Elena Rigo Stress Relief Expert
I awoke this morning delighted that it was Sunday. I love Sundays. Even though it was after 7am, it was still quiet. I was so comfortable. My bed, my organic cotton sheets and "comforter," the crisp morning air coming through my open window, gentle light flowing in from behind my curtains...all of my senses were heightened. I smiled. I felt safe, secure and at peace.
What in your life brings you comfort? Are you aware of those things that relax your nervous system and soothe your soul? If not, perhaps you can observe the experiences in your life - even those that seem simple. Sometimes, in the simplicity, we find the greatest satisfaction.
Then, of course, there's the opposite feeling - that of discomfort. One basic definition of discomfort is "mental or bodily distress." In certain circumstances, we can use this definition to avoid potential suffering (for example, we might stop running if feel discomfort in our knee). Other definitions of discomfort include: "uneasiness, nervousness, inconvenience." Or, merely, "lack of comfort."
There's a good portion of the time when I experience being uncomfortable - or out of my comfort zone. Whether working on a new project, teaching a class to an unfamiliar group, anticipating a coaching session, paying bills...as Gilda Radner said, "It's always something."
The contrast between comfort and discomfort can be stark. And, as Maslow states, there are certain needs, such as food, clothing and shelter that, when left unmet, threaten our survival. But, is there such a thing as healthy discomfort?
Our sense of comfort or discomfort can be a useful tool in navigating our lives. When we are too comfortable, we can get stuck - meaning our comfort is actually creating discomfort. From this perspective, discomfort can be an opportunity to grow, develop and evolve. And, a time to surrender to something new, experience the unfamiliar and embrace a little uneasiness.
Where in your life are you uncomfortable? Is this a place where you are stretching beyond the familiar and choosing to expand? Could it be healthy discomfort?
And the day came when the risk (it took) to remain tight in the bud was more painful than
the risk it took to blossom.
--Anais Nin
In support of you stepping out of your comfort zone.
I like the quotation from Anais Nin - unfortunately I am still receiving your March 30th podcast, nearly two weeks after it was sent !! Happy Easter to Devlyn Steele from Simon Collyns.
Yes, well hi there everyone. This is the evening after Easter and the holiday did not contain any comfort for me, as usual. Just like my birthday, christmas, etc. I guess my unordinary life filled with poverty, neglect and abuse from the beginnings of my life and still continue on.
It's been a year and I am still homeless and more alone than ever with no one other than enemies. Oh by the way I have been good to my enemies, provied them with comfort my friendship, and a whole lot more; what have they provied me with? Their never-ending hatred. My witch of an aunt, who would rather molly-coddle the ones in my family who have been given it all, did not ever have to really work, if they didn't want to, so instead of this one year she spending this Easter with me, that ...-traitor instead spends it with the loved ones. To classify myself as a loved one would be insane. It's a shame we caN'T PICK AND CHOOSE WHO ARE GOING TO BE OUR RELATIONS, BECAUSE IF WE REALLY COULD THEN WE COULD BELIEVE SOMEWHAT INT lovE. tHIS HOLIDAY i WAS LUCKY i GOT A FEW SHORT HOURS OF SLEEP IN A NICE SOOTHEING CAFE. tONGIHT i'LL BE LUCKY IF i CAN PUT IN A FEW MORE SHORT HOURS OF SLEEP TO ENABLE ME TO GET THROUGH TOMORROW AND THE HECTICNESS OF ALL i NEED TO DO: A MILLION AND ONE THINGS. aND i LOOKED AT THAT PRETTY COLORED PICTURE OF THAT COZY-LOOKING BED ABOVE THOE WORD post your COMMENT and I have wondered if I will ever have the comofrt and safety of a roof over my head instead of walking the streets in the after mind-night hours. And a few days ago, I saw at least 3 dead poor pitiful but very sweet and very dead baby rabbits. I'D love to know God why do you hate me and torture me so.
So goes another much-hated and hated on God day in the life of and in the sleepy suburban city, I call hell. It didn't matter to me that it dawned sunny, but freezing, I knew though it would just be another day w
with non-stop emotional and spiritual sufferi ng. I wonder shy can I just let go.
I am not religious, and have nothing against religious symbols. However, I feel "uncomfortable" that there is cross pictured on this non-religious site. I don't think this has something to do with the article... or perhaps I am missing something?
Also, I find the posting in bright bold colors, extremely out of place and disturbing. What kind of message is this sending to your readers? Is there a reason why this is here?
Our policy is that all comments are encouraged and welcome, other than the one swear word, which will be deleted. As a community, everyone is welcome to share their self-help feelings and thoughts on the issues that come up. In this case the comment is in response to the idea of comfort, or lack of it, so it relates well to the ideas in the article. Thanks also for your input, feelings and comment.