We must explore our limits if we want to find ways to become more generous, curious and grateful. Our limits are found at the edges of our comfort zone. Expanding our comfort zone only happens by hurling ourselves at the walls that contain who we are now and expanding them so that we live into who we are meant to be. By doing so our world becomes bigger, and our experience deeper and more vivid. Attending these efforts, we will find the characteristics of gratitude, generosity and curiosity.
Gratitude
Through exploration and expansion of our limits that we will find gratitude for the foundation that enabled us the run-way. Gratitude for the dirt, grass or concrete that broke our fall when we failed – for the pain that affirmed we had landed, however ungracefully. Gratitude that at least we were no longer falling. Gratitude also for the hands reaching down to pick us back up so we can have another go.
When we succeed in expanding our comfort zone, no matter how small the victory, we find gratitude for the trust we placed in ourselves, and gratitude for our ancestors and descendants who welcome us to this new place; often perceived as exclusive but where there is ample room for those who would join.
Generosity
It is through this growth that we may learn to become a generous person. When we see that what exists beyond our limits is not an exclusive club, our hearts open and we begin to bring others with us. We realize that others are not a threat or hindrance to our personal growth, but that through each other our limits can be more fully explored. We learn to call on others to awaken their own curiosity; to more fully occupy their potential and thereby more fully occupy their souls.
Curiosity
By challenging our limits we may also find ourselves becoming curious. When thrashing at the unyielding walls that separate who we are now from who we are yet to become we may learn that some barriers won’t yield to incessant shoulder smashing alone. Through questioning and curiosity, we may find that some walls must be tunneled under, bridged over, or torn down with the help of a team. Still others may require a softer touch – a word of compassion, a deep breath – some eroding under the watch of our patient gaze.
Though we may arrive on the other side battered, bruised and exhausted, if we just attempt to explore our limits we will find replenishment in the characteristics of gratitude, generosity and curiosity.
What are some ways you’ve challenged your comfort zone and explored your limits? For me just publishing this post is one. Otherwise, I love to run and am chasing my limits through marathon running. Learning how to have courageous conversations at work and in life is another. – Comment yours below!
Habit Earth 