Routine - Escape It

Everyone longs to escape the usual routine occasionally. You might long to delve into the mysteries of life. Perhaps these yearnings are due to your desire to experience greater personal growth by going beyond your current comfort zone and entering into unexplored worlds. Seeking ways to challenge yourself further and stretch your limits might make your everyday life seem more exciting and fulfilling and could present opportunities for growth that you might not have imagined.

In Western culture leisure is not part of our lexicon. Most of us, when we do not have an obligation to do something or go somewhere we do not know what to do with ourselves.

Professors in Western academics are given a year off as a sabbatical. In this sabbatical they are not asked to do anything. Of course most do as they keep themselves in the pressure cooker. The original meaning of a sabbatical is to renew and refresh, just roam around, look at the sky, the sea, the mountain, whatever, and return refreshed and renewed. Few corporations, companies or the government give long breaks for their employees, the President or the Chairman take a standard three or four weeks a year away from work. The standard week or two off for salaried employees is considered adequate.

Even the simple things-such as a new way to meditate or exploring a different culture could satisfy your need for excitement and fulfillment. As you delve into new customs or cultures, you may want to remind yourself to remain open to unimagined and unexpected possibilities, thus, you will increase your potential to evolve even further.

You will discover doing activities that challenge and excite you will push you to even greater challenges. If you continue with your daily routine, you forego the opportunity to experience hidden and unchallenged aspects of your character.

We each need to discover what is outside our narrow world, which will renew and invigorate us. It could be gardening, flying, collecting stamps, photography, meditation, a pilgrimage: or a million other interests. We need this diversion from the more serious business in our lives. We need to learn to enjoy life to its fullest and not be confined in a constant routine.

Remember that in order to incorporate change into your life, you do not need to wander off to an exotic local. Even making simple changes to your schedule creates space to dive into something that will energize you and help you form new views of your world. By doing something that challenges, piques your curiosity and sense of adventure, you will awaken the part of yourself that is responsive to new possibilities and will expand your horizons.

Dorothy M. Neddermeyer, PhD, Life Coach, Hypnotherapist, Author, “101 Great Ways To Improve Your Life.” Dr. Dorothy has the unique gift of connecting people with a broad range of profound principles that resonate in the deepest part of their being. She brings awareness to concepts not typically obvious to one’s daily thoughts and feelings. http://www.drdorothy.net