Normalising Discomfort In Personal Self Discovery
As many of you will know or have guessed by now, I love Brené Brown’s research and writing.
Over the Summer I have been re-reading Daring Greatly (2012), and in Chapter 6 she writes about re-humanizing education and work. One way is through enabling workplaces to have honest and hard conversations and reach into the potential of being vulnerable.
The work that I practice is all about having honest, investigative, enlightening (and sometimes hard) conversations that touch into places of vulnerability - the birthplace of love, joy, creativity and connection.
I loved what she wrote about learning and discomfort:
“We believe growth and learning are uncomfortable so it’s going to happen here - you’re going to feel that way. We want you to know that it’s normal and it’s an expectation here. You’re not alone and we ask that you stay open and lean into it.”
This rings so true of therapeutic work like we practice here at Creative Soul Therapies, so I thought I might modify it a little to fit even better:
“We believe growth, learning and self discovery are uncomfortable (and fun, and scary, and humbling, and wonderful) so it’s going to happen in our sessions - you’re going to feel that way. We want you to know that it’s normal and we should expect these uncomfortable (and fun, and scary, and humbling, and wonderful) moments. You’re not alone and we ask that you stay open and lean into it.”
In a haze of stormy haze, I’ll be round by Daniela Brown
I’ve been asked before what the criteria are for engaging in therapeutic work, and the best answer I have is that the process of self discovery and inner transformation is available to anyone - however it only works when people come with an open heart and an open mind.
If you are thinking of reaching out for support, if you want to understand more of yourself, if you want to reveal your inner light, then please know that the process is supposed to be uncomfortable!
Phew! It’s so much easier knowing that feeling uncomfortable is absolutely part of the process.
This is normalising discomfort.
When we get really honest with ourselves, and take a brave and courageous step into our own vulnerability, then yes, it’s uncomfortable, AND it is the best thing you will ever do for yourself.
I particularly like the line “You’re not alone…” because when I am sitting alongside someone in a session I offer the reassurance, empathy and connection of another person, and naturally, I too will be experiencing discomfort alongside you. You’re not alone in more than one way!
We explore the territory of your inner world together, like intrepid travellers of vulnerability searching for gemstones of joy, creativity and connection.
So the discomfort is worth it.
And it may be helpful to know that feeling uncomfortable during this process is normal.
And you’re not alone.
Looking for inner self discovery and transformation? bryony@creativesoultherapies.com
For more on Brené Brown visit brenebrown.com