Maybe We Weren't Designed for Comfort After All
Some of the best experiences of my life have been after I embraced discomfort – travel, learning new things, climbing mountains, moving across country, becoming a parent, making difficult choices... the list goes on.
I finally found the culprit for the neck and shoulder pain that has become my constant companion, and no – it's not the stress of unprecedented social chaos – the problem is my couch.
Ironically, I chose this couch because it's comfortable. It's soft and marshmallowy, and you can sink right into it like a warm hug.
But the qualities that make the couch comfortable also make it nearly impossible for me to sit with good posture. Instead, I slouch into all sorts of curves, trying to balance my laptop or find a comfortable position to read or write with my journal in my lap.
Pain is an incredible motivator though, and after struggling with some intense discomfort I decided to force my body into better posture by sitting on the floor. While this didn't immediately get rid of the pain, I could instantly feel my spine straighten and my neck and shoulders relax.
The fact that comfortable seating caused physical discomfort, and "uncomfortable" seating brought relief has given me a lot to think about.
Some of the best experiences of my life have been after I embraced discomfort – travel, learning new things, climbing mountains, moving across country, becoming a parent, making difficult choices... the list goes on.
Of course, not all discomfort is good. There are extremes in either direction, and just because something feels bad doesn't mean it automatically is good.
But I think the paradox here is that braving discomfort actually makes us more flexible, strong, and resourceful in the long run – which then allows us to feel more comfortable regardless of the circumstances.
It's something I'll be thinking about for awhile.
What about you?
Jamie Siebens is a writer, editor, and administrative genius with a knack for getting things done. She lives in Northwest Wisconsin with her husband, teen daughters, and a quirky rescue pup named Bentley. She writes about perspective, personal growth, and intentional living at www.jamiesiebens.com