© maxim ibragimov/shutterstock

Are you are feeling anxious about the future? Does time seem to be moving forward at lightening speed? Is it getting increasingly difficult to hold onto the familiar? If you have answered, “yes” to any of these questions, you have a lot of company.  

What is going on? 

On a logical level, we can say that the acceleration of time and change is due to the fact that technology has permeated every aspect of our lives.  It feels like what we accomplished within an hour last year is presently compressed into a minute. So, indeed, time really does appear to be moving more quickly! Yet, there is something much larger going on that transcends our linear physical world.  Most of us are sensing a massive shift that is connected with the infinitely larger metaphysical world of spirituality.  We are all in a stage of our human spiritual growth where we are compelled to awaken to beliefs and perceptions that we have been holding on to that no longer serve us well.  Try as we might, it feels like we just cannot hold onto to the status quo anymore.  The more we progress on our journey of personal growth,  the more we will be confronted with opportunities to get out of our comfort zone.  

What is meant by “comfort zone?”

Your comfort zone is the area of your life where your current life skills allow you to navigate with relative ease.  For example, socializing with familiar people, maintaining a daily routine of activities, and adhering to a schedule of regular events.  

Why do we resist?

Most of us like to feel comfortable and have a human tendency to try to avoid putting ourselves into new and challenging situations.  The problem with this is that we don’t grow.  If you are not moving forward, you will eventually become stuck. Even though you may feel a little insecure about moving out of familiar spaces, it is really quite healthy to experience the discomfort that comes from growth.  Discomfort is caused by bumping against the boundaries of our outgrown paradigms, indicating that it is time for our mind’s knowledge to catch up with our soul’s wisdom.  When we feel painfully uncomfortable, it is usually not because we are experiencing change, but because we are resisting it. 

Being on the edge of your comfort zone is really a healthy thing because it means that the Universe is inviting you to open up to new possibilities.  While you may be facing the need to make some major changes, it does not have to be frightening.  

The following are some practical suggestions for easing out of your comfort zone:   

1.  Change something in your daily routine – This could be something as simple as primarily using your non-dominant hand for the day or changing the route you typically take to drive to work or school.

2.  Take a class in something that is unusual – If you are a predominant left-brain thinker, take a class in painting or dancing.  If you are predominantly a right-brain thinker, you may consider a class to develop your computer skills. 

3.  Socialize with new people – Be open to bringing new people into your circle of friends. They are likely to bring fresh perspectives into your life and see you in a new light.

4.   Commit to doing something you have avoided – Many times we procrastinate doing something new because we are judging ourselves too harshly.  If you have avoided taking that exercise class, make it a priority.  If you have always wanted to speak in front of a group of people, find a small group that coincides with your interests and make a presentation.

5.  Break down a large goal into manageable steps – What appears to be an impossible goal can become much more motivating when we bring it down into a list of actionable tasks.  

6.  Travel to new places – Being open to new sights and cultures is a wonderful way to broaden our perspectives.  If traveling is beyond your budget, try taking a tour of where you presently live through the eyes of a visitor.  It is amazing how we become immune to all the opportunities that exist within the areas in which we live. 

Take a deep breath and begin to practice the habit of accepting the fact that change is a wonderful part of being alive!  Being on the edge of your comfort zone indicates that you are becoming more of who you are and that you are on the brink of experiencing a larger version of life.  Many times the most difficult times come right before you are about to make a major break through.  

Chuck Yeager, the first test pilot ever to fly faster than the speed of sound, expressed this so simply when responding to a journalist who asked him to explain his amazing experience.  He responded:

“Just before you break the sound barrier, the cockpit shakes the most!”

Are you on the edge of your comfort zone?  I welcome your insights!

Love and Light,

Sandra