Is Your Comfort Zone a little TOO Comfortable?
(Photo by Louise Vildmark on Unsplash)
Last weekend I took a public class in town. I was a new student with a new teacher. I was in a new-to-me studio where the reputation is circus-like yoga.
I used to feel so self-conscious - SO intimidated - in these kinds of situations. I used to be worried that I had to keep up with everyone Or that I had to prove myself. I was always so scared to do poses wrong that I never pushed myself to try new things. But this time I didn’t put that kind of pressure on myself. Which meant that i didn’t feel self-conscious or intimidated walking into the studio. I honestly didn’t feel much of anything (except perhaps relief to be in a yoga class and not be the teacher).
IN YOUR COMFORT ZONE
As an adult it can be hard to try something new. We get into our comfort zones and don’t want to leave them. This can happen in relationships, with your creativity and yes, even in yoga practice. It’s easy to get set in one way of doing poses, pick your favorites, and never try anything new.
You know the downside of a comfort zone… it turns into complacency. Folks get rigid and stuck in ruts. Relationships fizzle out. Creativity runs dry. Yoga becomes just another task on the to-do list. Pretty soon, yoga class is just another place to show up and go through the motions. Where’s the LIFE?
When you’ve been in a rut, it’s time to infuse some adventure into your life. And if the idea of adventures has you running scared, I understand. Ruts are comforting even while they suck your soul dry. That’s why I recommend starting your adventure in your regular yoga classes.
ADVENTURES IN YOGA
Yoga classes are a great place to start being more adventurous because the stakes are generally low. You’re not going to lose your job or cause a break-up if a pose goes poorly … (I mean, really can a pose even go poorly? No. the answer is no). In fact, you’ll probably learn something if you’re challenged. Also, yoga classes are a place to practice non-judgement. So it’s a great place to take risks without the consequence of being judged for it, no matter how it goes.
Trying new poses, scary poses, or familiar poses in new ways stretches your imagination and creativity. It might literally stretch you in new ways too. It could bring more strength or open up new understandings in your mind that keep you interested and engaged. But if you don’t try… you won’t know.
READY FOR ADVENTURE
Here are some key considerations as you set out on your adventure
Listen to and Trust your Body - If your body is in pain or is telling you absolutely NO, then please listen and don’t go further. But if your body is responding well to the preparations and you’ve got a few butterflies it’s time to set out for adventure
Listen to and Watch the Instructor - Some teachers give detailed instructions, especially with new poses (I DO THAT!) I’m not talking just to fill the room with noise, I’m sharing instructions that could keep you safe or unlock some new understanding that will make it more accessible for you.
Be Safe - This goes with the first two, so seriously listen and move with care. Being safe could also include things like adding props, or putting down a crash pad if you need to
GO FOR IT - After all of that, sometimes all that’s left it to try it out and see what happens
In the class that I just took, my teacher offered the arm balance Myurasana. It’s a pose that I only learned recently. And, to be honest, when I learned it i decided I really didn’t need to practice it ever again. It’s a scary one to me - weird hand placement, elbows in your gut, face hovering inches from the floor and feet way up in the air. When I was in class I wanted NOT to do it. But. I asked myself: Where’s the adventure? & What’s the worst that could happen?
So I tried it and, guess what !?! I wasn’t great at it - but it went better than it ever had before. I even giggled instead of groaning while I was doing it. Now, because I tried it, I have a glimmer of hope that wasn’t there before. Maybe one day I’ll get excited about Myurasana.
HOW YOU CHANGE
The point is, if you don’t ever leave your comfort zone, nothing will change. Yoga is a practice of change. It’s not about allowing yourself to stay too comfortable being something you’re not. It’s more like walking around with a rock in your shoe… not great. But the change yoga is after is the best kind. It’s about growing into the fullness of who and what you ARE. Your comfort zone is too small for all of your greatness.
As you head into your weekend I invite you to add some adventure, learn a something along the way. Watch as over time you stretch your pre-conceived boundaries of who you are… and learn to dip into the vastness that we all share. Then you’re really doing some yoga.