Stress. When we hear this word, our typical reaction is aversion. We don't want it. We'll do anything to make it go away, whether that means having a few drinks, turning on the TV, or exercising ourselves into the ground. We are told that stress is what causes premature aging, high blood pressure, chronic pain, and even weight gain. It causes us to lose sleep. When we are enslaved by it, our minds are consumed with anxious and frenzied thoughts. We can't breathe deeply. Everything feels contracted.
This life-depleting experience is what I classify as distress, which is never helpful or healthy in and of itself. But could it be that there is actually a form of stress that is life-affirming, one that we in fact need to utilize in order to truly evolve as a human being? I believe so. This form of stress is called eustress. It is positive stress, which typically results from working at the edge of our human potential and expanding our capabilities into new areas of personal achievement. This is the form of stress we feel as we are:
Writing a book (trust me on this one- writing the Purpose Principle provided me with plenty of eustress!) Embarking on the process of learning a new skill, such as wood working or playing the guitar Feverishly practicing and refining these skills so that we become more adept at them Learning the art of surrendering to present moment reality, dropping our expectations of how things should be
In all these experiences, what causes us to achieve some level of true fulfillment or greatness is a power within us that transcends the need for immediate gratification or idle comfort. While exhilarating, stretching ourselves into these new levels of growth is typically not defined as pleasurable or comfortable. It is stressful and challenging . But it is a stress that actually empowers us, that frees us from the shackles of stagnation. Don't forget, stagnation is your worst enemy. This is the vice that so many of us have succumbed to.
The irony is that, while most of us have a strong aversion to distress, we are actually quite addicted to it. Because we resist it, distress persists time and again. We feed off of the drama and distraction that it provides for us. What I am suggesting is that you put your focus onto eustress, which is infinitely more helpful than distress. Become committed to the ongoing practice of expanding your comfort zone, even if it is somewhat awkward or uncomfortable. This is where life (as in being fully alive) happens.
Kevin Doherty is a licensed acupuncturist, life and business coach, and the author of The Purpose Principle: 11 Strategies to Help You Experience Ultimate Freedom in Your Health, Wealth, and Love Life. To get a free copy of Kevin's Purpose Principle ezine and to learn more about the book, go to http://www.PurposePrinciple.com
