A Life More Fully Lived

"A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions." Oliver Wendell Holmes

Sometimes I find it easy to be swept along by routine.  It's such a protected place to live.  But growth, according to a myriad of authors, comes from stepping outside of our comfort zones, which are entrenched in our routines.

I recently came across a book that is designed to force readers, especially the readers who choose to participate, out of their routines.  It's touted as an action plan to change your life forever.  The book is, "The Nine Intense Experiences" by Brian Vaszily.  I prepared myself for some sky diving or bungee jumping.  "Bring it on, Brian!" I thought, as I started to read.

Instead, the book takes readers out of their comfort zones with activities that can be performed in their own  homes.  Intense Experience number one nudges the reader back to the spontaneity of childhood.  There are suggested movies to watch and books to read.  I read, for the first time, "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" by Lewis Carroll.  Also on the reading list was "The Little Prince" by Antoine de Saint Exupery, my favorite book of all time. 

But then the tasks for Intense Experience number one included more participatory challenges, such as, singing out loud or dancing around the house.  Now that sounds rather easy, doesn't it.  A small step outside of my comfort zone in order to expand my world.  As the disclaimers state, individual results might vary. 

When you see me this year at activity professional conferences notice if I spontaneously break into dance steps.  If you'd like to try some life altering experiences for yourself, Brian's book is probably available in your public library system.  The book is delightful and, in a strange way, slightly challenging.  Happy dancing!