Stepping into the Dojo

During the past week I tried a certain activity for the very first time. There was plenty of excitement. There was plenty of anticipation. There was plenty of nervousness as well. But as my friend and I finished the class, and have subsequently reflected on the experience, there were/are plenty of important reminders as well.

"You'll never be bored when you try something new. There's really no limit to what you can do!" - Dr. Seuss

Karate was the activity we tried. We had been thinking about it for a while now but had not created the space for giving it a go until last week. Life will always be full of responsibilities and what can feel like competing demands. It will also always be full of opportunities as well. Until we purposefully step into the dojo though (training area - whatever that may be for you) and try something new, we won't be challenged, opened up by, learn from and then enjoy the ripples created through our individual and shared courage. Thinking about it, and doing it, are two very different things.

"Move out of your comfort zone. You can only grow if you are willing to feel awkward and uncomfortable when you try something new." - Brian Tracy

The second powerful reminder related to the people who we share space with while we give things a go. My friend is such an inspiration, both through his own example and in the compassionate way he encourages, challenges and offers accountability within my journey of potential. On top of this aspect of support though was the incredible way we were welcomed into this new learning environment by the others within the class. From the Sensei, all the way through to the white belt beginners, there was an attitude of 'we're with you' embodied through thoughts, words and actions. One example that springs to mind was when we first entered the dojo, with I'm sure a look of unsurety on our faces. Two students casually walked past and said, 'Don't worry, we were in your exact position not too long ago'.

"Why not go out on a limb? That's where the fruit is." - Mark Twain

I could go on and on about all the reminders that this experience provided my friend and I with but I think we all know deep down what's out there waiting for us on the other side of our comfort zones. There will always be reasons or excuses that we can use to prove our decisions to stay 'safely' within. And also, not every dojo is the one for us to step into. But as the saying goes, 'A comfort zone is a beautiful thing, but nothing ever grows there'. Have fun trying something new this week. It definitely doesn't have to be an activity like karate, but what thoughts, words or actions are calling you?

"Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new." - Albert Einstein