Exploration

“Life is about growth and exploration, not achieving a fixed state of balance. We have a very limited time on Earth to experience all that we can. Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.”

The past few years have presented me with some amazing opportunities for exploration and adventure; everything from discovering the depth of my breath to grand excursions in exotic locations. I remember many moons ago when the mere thought of leaving my comfort zone was enough to throw me into a full blown anxiety attack. I was constantly worried about the perception of others and almost always allowed the quiet voice of self-doubt to cloud my vision.

I have found in my later years how important exploration and travel are to me. It feeds my soul to be able to experience new cultures, environments, and people. I always seem to take a piece of what I have learned home with me. I love feeling changed and released from the redundancy that life can so often present. I have been lucky enough to cross paths with some incredible people, witness scenery I thought only existed in dreams, and truly immerse myself in the vastness of the world.

Of course I know that emerging myself in a different environment will push me out of my comfort zone and (lovingly) force me to learn new things, however to my delight I have been able to discover a similar sense of newness and exhilaration in some of the most simplistic experiences in my everyday life. I find it to be so vitally important in my own self-discovery to disconnect from the norm to be able to reconnect with myself on a new and stimulating level. It changes my perspective on myself, life, and the world around me.

Dare to be a little different than you were yesterday. Try something outside of your own comfort zone: spark up a conversation with a stranger, experience something new, and see what you find out about yourself along the way.