The payoff of being with discomfort

I just read this short newsletter piece from Dan Leven, who teaches expressive movement at the Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health in Western MA.

The skill he describes, this ability to be with uncomfortable experiences without being overwhelmed by them, is such an important one. It's something we get to practice each time we gather to listen and share with one another during an Alive & Connected conversation.

It can be uncomfortable to hear viewpoints that are different than ours. It can be uncomfortable to share our own experiences when we're not sure others will appreciate them. It can be uncomfortable not to offer help and advice to people who are trying to find their own answers. But the payoff for being willing to sit with that discomfort is huge. It opens up new insights, deeper connections, and a sense of vitality that is often missing in day-to-day life. 

I know I'm not the only one who craves those things. If you do, too, perhaps you'd like to join me at an upcoming Meetup event. Or if you live outside the Metrowest Boston area, how might you bring more conversations like this into your own part of the world?

I guarantee you have something valuable to offer in one of these groups, and something important to receive as well.