Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone
“You never change your life until you step out of your comfort zone; change begins at the end of your comfort zone.” - Roy T. Bennett
Thank you for taking a few moment to read my blog. For this first installment, of what I hope is many, I would like to introduce myself and tell you my purpose for reaching out to all of you.
My name is Dawn. I write and teach under the name Dawn Elisabeth (first and middle name). I am the proud mother of two young men and an active Italian greyhound. I am starting an exciting new business with my fiance, Kevin, which will be a delightful haven of yoga and holistic health for our clients. (Future location will be determined soon.).
Talking about myself in this manner is completely out of my comfort zone, but I think it’s important to share my story. It’s not easy making life changes -even when you know deep down that changes have to be made. Maybe you can relate to the struggles and challenges I faced.
Several years ago, I became restless, disillusioned. I felt something was wrong - or at least “not right” - in my life but I couldn’t put my finger on it. After all, I should be happy. I raised two incredible boys. I had a well-paying corporate job with benefits. I had a serious romantic relationship, a supportive family, and friends. By the standards I was familiar with, I was living a great life. Why, then was I in a state of inner turmoil?
That’s a question I believe many of us ask ourselves. We strive to achieve the American Dream only to wake up one day and realize how empty we feel inside. I was dwelling in the past, stressing about the future, and spending no time enjoying the present. I didn’t even notice the roses, never mind taking the time to smell them.
It was during this troubled time that I made some drastic (at least they felt drastic) life changes that I thought might be at the root cause of my internal chaos. I started walking/jogging, began to eat a healthier diet, and limited my alcohol consumption. Those changes helped me feel better physically, but I was still unhappy.
On a whim, I decided to try yoga in a small quiet studio. I wasn’t one to act spontaneously, and this decision was definitely out of my comfort zone. I was terrified for so many reasons that seemed completely legitimate at the time. What if I couldn’t keep up? What if I failed miserably at yoga? What if I wasn’t wearing the right kind of clothing? What if I felt everyone judging me and my uncoordinated body? (Negative-self talk is one of those areas I am constantly addressing on my personal journey.) Mostly, I was afraid of the unknown. I don’t know how I found the courage to go to that first class, all alone, but it was a defining moment in my life. It was during that first class, as I sat with my eyes closed, that I made the first of many new connections. I connected with my breath and, through the breath, with myself.
It doesn’t sound like much. After all, we are breathing automatically all day long. But this simple action changed my life and led me down a path to a desire to share with others a way to find inner peace and happiness.
My challenge for you this week is to try the breathing exercise below. It’s one of my favorites - especially for stressful times (such as when you are stepping out of your comfort zone). The breathing exercise is a relaxing technique that I call “deep belly breathing”. Sit in a comfortable position or lie on your back. (If you chose to lie on your back, you may want your knees to point towards the ceiling with the soles of your feet on the floor hip distance apart.) Close your eyes or have a soft gaze and begin to notice your breath. How is the breath moving in your body? Place your hands on your belly and inhale. See if you can inhale deeply past your chest into your lower diaphragm feeling your belly rise. (Think of breathing down into your belly.) On your exhale feel your belly become soft. Inhale again and feel your belly rise. On your exhale, try to soften and relax areas of tension, tightness, or gripping you may feel. Keep your attention on your breath and belly. You can set a timer or simply repeat a certain number of cycles of breath.
Want to work on your zen? There are 1,440 minutes in a day. Try setting aside 3 to 5 minutes a day dedicated to this breathing technique. Bonus points for journaling how you feel after your breathing sessions. Side affects may include increased focus, increased clarity, increased tolerance, decreased stress and anxiety.
I’m looking forward to coming out of my comfort zone each week to share my thoughts, experiences, tips, and techniques with you. Thank you for joining me on this journey.
With love and gratitude,
Dawn
Om Shanti (Peace)