We all have one. These are the self-imposed, imaginary boundaries which usually lie in our sub-conscious that are constantly reminding us – through anxiety, stress, peace-of-mind, etc. – of our comfort level. It comes in many forms, though there is still just one Comfort Box. It shows itself when we’re driving through an unfamiliar neighborhood. We quicken our pace, turn our head more often, look in the mirrors too much. It shows itself when we meet new people, when we attend an event for the first time, when we open our mouth to a stranger, and when we start a blog (this blog site is less than 24 hours old).
There was a catalysts about 8 weeks ago in my life that has begun to expand my Comfort Box, and its done so very acutely and with amazing speed. I may expound on this in a later post, but not now. I’ve met people in the last 8 weeks that I know I would not have otherwise… since the “epiphany” I like to call it. It turns out those people know other people, whom I’ve met and have been able to spend time with. I’ve expanded my horizons in thought, forgiveness, servitude, business and awareness. And so therefore my Comfort Box has grown… and I haven’t found a negative aspect of it yet.
Perhaps the comfort box is another of the lies we use to hide from our true selves. Why should we be uncomfortable while driving through an unfamiliar neighborhood. That implies a fear of the unknown that should not exist. We should always be open to the possibilities that new experiences bring. To not, is to deny ourselves knowledge.
The world today is not a safe place. Media constantly tries to invoke fear in our hearts and minds by reminding us of how different “they are”. Choose your own “they”, since there are plenty of them depending on if you are young, old, black, white or brown, male or female.
The experience of being somewhere unfamiliar can be viewed as an adventure, a chance to see things through a different lens, a chance to expand our horizons and accept a different perspective.
This defines freedom to me. Freedom to not fear those who don’t look or sound or act in the same manner as I gives me release.
I have spent the majority of my life seeking new experiences, ideas and belief systems. Living life in the same manner as everyone else, the way it is expected, following the norm is the box to me. There is no comfort in that. Looking and living outside the box, seeking new experiences to compare to what I have been told is the way it should be allows me to make my own mind up based on more than just what I am told is right, or wrong.
I am glad thet you are seeking to step out of that box and expand your horizons. The mind works best when open and the heart expands when given the opportunity to share with and serve others.
The wonder and beauty of God is all around us.
We may choose to accept or deny the existence of God, but that does not change how God feels about our existence.
What we take with us when you leave this Earth will not be worldly possessions. The work that we should be doing here is not building up physical treasures. Instead we should be nurturing our souls and helping others to do the same.