💌 Connection #23: Change Zone
1 idea, 1 practice, 1 question
Hi friend,
Here’s 1 idea, 1 practice, and 1 question to create more expansive connections.
One idea to consider
True growth happens in that crucial space between comfort and chaos. Your comfort zone is the familiar territory where everything feels safe and predictable – but little learning occurs here. Push too far into the danger zone, and anxiety overwhelms any potential for growth, leaving you paralyzed or panicked.
The magic happens in what we call the "change zone" – that optimal space where you're stretched but not snapped, challenged but not crushed. Here, you'll feel slightly uncomfortable, maybe even a bit uncertain, but still capable and engaged. This is where you're primed to absorb new skills, adapt to fresh challenges, and genuinely transform.
One practice to try on
During any learning situation or new challenge, pause and take three deliberate breaths. As you do this, notice:
1st Breath: Check your physical state. Is your body tense but still able to relax with the breath? That's often good. If you're so tense you can't relax at all, or if you feel completely unchallenged, you might be outside the optimal range.
2nd Breath: Notice your thoughts. Are they racing but still coherent? Perfect. If they're completely scattered or if you're on autopilot, you might need to adjust.
3rd Breath: Ask yourself "Can I stay with this feeling?" If the answer is "yes, though it's challenging" – congratulations, you're likely in your range of change. If it's "absolutely not" or "yes, this is easy," you might need to adjust the challenge level.
This quick check-in helps you recognize whether you're in that sweet spot where growth happens – where you're stretched but not overwhelmed. The key is being able to maintain some presence of mind even while feeling challenged.
One question to ask
“What's something I avoided last week because it felt too scary, but if I broke it into smaller steps, might actually fit within my change zone?”
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