The Comfort Zone.

The beginning of my week began with this quote, and it has been something I have been pondering the past few days. If you were to look back and think about the times that glow, those inevitable times you felt the most alive, the most present, what would they be? Lately, I have been putting myself in more situations that are outside of my comfort zone. I am a primarily a very routine animal, as I believe many of us are. I stick to the routine, to the comfortable and cozy, to the things that make me feel in control and safe. However, it is the times when I feel the most uncomfortable, the most stretched, and the most out of control where the true magic happens (and I am not saying that I ever or anyone should put themselves in the face of true danger, to be clear). I practice a lot of yoga, and I believe that the practice of yoga can teach us about life off the mat as well. Each time I practice, I attempt to go further than the last time I was in class. I have been trying more headstands, flying pigeons and arm balances that make me feel quite uncomfortable, and in those moments I breathe and welcome the beads of sweat and pain knowing that my body will thank me later. 

The transfer has become quite evident over the last few weeks. My routine at my current job has me feeling mundane, monotonous and craving for more. It has me pondering, what is my purpose? What do I want my contribution to be? What impression do I want to leave on those around me in my work? These are some pretty big questions, and it's not that I have just started asking them, but rather am beginning to act on them more and more. 

I start "The Power of Brand Management" class at UCLA next week, am continuing to choreograph with LA Unbound this time with a counterpart and am beginning to research a Yoga certification, along with exploring new job opportunities. All of which I hope to be extremely uncomfortable, and outside of my routine knowing that my soul will thank me later.

My generation has the blessing and the curse of options. Travel, alternative lifestyles, various job opportunities, ability to live multiple different places, along with many others. Options overwhelm me. I want it all! And we live in a time where, we might, just MIGHT be able to have it all. Oh, the illusion that having it all exists! 

In the midst of the swirl, the options, and social media where we can compare ourselves to everyone else and what they are doing compared to what we are doing and what more we could or should be doing, it is difficult to remain grounded in who we are (and most of the time we are still finding out!) and to be content. It is a struggle for me, anyways. I am finding that there is a delicate balance, between the comfort of who I am today, and the person and life I strive to create outside "the comfort zone", where the illuminating feeling of alive-ness is ever present. 

Live well, 
H