Discomfort is our body’s natural response to change. Discomfort can present in a variety of ways. We may feel cold, fuzzy, heavy, hot, itchy, queasy, shaky, spacey, tense, or tingly.

Our physical sensations provide information. They tell us what we need. When we use our physical sensations to identify our needs, we can take action to get our needs met. This is how we adapt.

To adapt, we need to be in a safe environment. When we are in a safe environment, we are seen. Our discomfort is acknowledged and accepted, without blame or judgement. We have the freedom to explore new situations, make decisions, change our minds, and make mistakes. We also have access to the opportunities and resources we need to survive.

Problems arise when we are in an unsafe environment. In an unsafe environment, change is a problem, discomfort is a taboo, exploration is dangerous, and resources are limited.

When our attempts to welcome change and acknowledge discomfort are ignored, critiqued, or rejected, we loose trust in our ability to adapt and we being to view the world as a dangerous place.