If you tend toward order in you daily actions, experiment with the expressive chaos and imbalance. If you are generally impulsive in your habitual ways, focus for a wile on orderly and calculated movements. Try to access unfamiliar roles. There is tremendous energy in whatever is antithetical to the norm.
— Shaun McNiff in Trust the Process: An Artist’s Guide to Letting Go
Have you ever noticed this? That sometimes, when you do something that is opposite to your normal routine or nature, you get a burst of energy. While it can be uncomfortable, it can also be fun and liberating.
It takes a bit of a reminder at times, a push to get out of our comfort zones. The participants in my Find Your Eye: Journey of Recognition class are doing it right now, so this quote resonated when I read it today.
And it made me think. Have I been outside of my comfort zone lately? Maybe a little. This expansive landscape shot is different than my usual city scene. But it’s not that far out of my comfort zone. Not really. I need to challenge myself to step out a bit further to get that boost of energy that comes from trying something new.
How about you? Have you stepped outside of your comfort zone lately?
I really enjoyed reading this and seeing your example of the expansive landscape in the photo above. Yes, I have noticed that there is tremendous energy in getting out of the usual way of approaching things… it opens up new horizons waiting to be explored!
It’s so liberating to get out of a rut and to jump out of the comfort zone to see things anew. It keeps us fresh and inventive and our inner creativity comes alive and productive.
It’s really good to be reminded of this! Thank you!
Sandra
Thanks Sandra! You’ve been reminding me of this frequently, as you explore new things with such enthusiasm.
Kat – what a great reminder! There are a number of types of photography that I continue to avoid – people, including self-portraits, being the main ones. These are SO far outside my comfort zone that it is more like traveling to another universe. I guess I’ll need a rocket ship to get me out there 🙂
Fire up the booster rockets Brenda! One step at a time, just take one little baby step at a time. We don’t have to go very far out of our comfort zone, to stretch it.
How interesting that you would post about getting out of your comfort zone. You don’t know this, but just making comments on your blog is part of my getting out of my comfort zone. I’ve been a follower on several blogs and one of my intentions this year is to get more involved and be more open with my feelings. So you and your blog are part of that intention! Thank you!
Robin, I’m so glad you’ve gotten out of your comfort zone and started commenting! It’s great to have you here. You are adding to the community! Thank you!