Michael talks about how we feel we have to stay on top of everything in order to feel comfortable. We impose limits on ourselves otherwise we feel afraid, anxious, hurt (e.g., ‘I need this person to like me so I can feel good about myself or so that I can stop feeling lonely.’ ‘I need more money so I can live more comfortably.’) Staying within our comfort zone means we are limiting ourselves. I love the example of the brave dog who decides to withstand the discomfort of breaking through the force field of the electric fence in order to obtain freedom.
"When you hit these edges you either pull back or try to force things to change so that you can remain comfortable." (T.U.S., p. 124)
Yes this is so true for me. I either pull back (and sometimes I even convince myself that what ever I am pulling back from is not bothering me!) or I try to make the situation better.
Michael suggests that we just walk on through without avoiding or fixing. Just watch the pain, irritation, jealousy, insecurity etc. and let it go. These feels are just like the zap of the electric fence in the brave dog example. The feelings themselves will not harm you…they just hurt for the moment and then they pass.
Imagine being caged in a yard and never knowing that there is a big, beautiful world out there for you to explore. Be willing to pass through the force field and allow yourself to experience all of life.
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