The Power of New Experiences: How Change Enhances Well-Being

When is the last time you explored something new? Here’s a follow-up thought. When you realized it was going to take work to excel, how long did you stick with it? In childhood, we’re forced into new and uncomfortable situations every single day, especially during the early days. As we grow, we are presumably affected by exposure. By the time we are full-fledged adults, we become a bit adverse to the new. What we know is comfortable and safe. It’s part of our body’s homeostasis meter. The body gets comfortable with set points. Whether you realize it or not, pushing those points to a position past comfort is absolutely necessary for health. Are you aware of the limiting beliefs you hold?

Think about this for a moment: Do you take the same route to work every day? Years ago, I worked for a bank, and one of the first lessons they taught us was to explore different routes to and from work. They aimed to prevent anyone from learning our routine to rob the bank, but the lesson holds valuable insights. We often choose the same path because it gives us a sense of familiarity and predictability, right? We know the timing perfectly. We stop by our favorite coffee shop on the way. We feel like we’re on autopilot so we don’t have to think while we drive. In a way, it’s a means of conserving energy for what truly matters – our work! But imagine living a longer life just by trying a new route to work or visiting a different grocery store. Welcoming the new, keeps our body and mind guessing, opening ourselves to delightful surprises and fresh experiences that lead to healthier, more balanced existence.

My hip flexors have been feeling tight lately, a stark contrast to my younger days when I moved with ease and without discomfort. It’s a reality I navigate with determination, recognizing that while flexibility may diminish, I refuse to let it dictate my physical experience. The tightness in my hip flexors is a product of my routine, where hours spent lifting are often followed by prolonged sitting or standing, which tends to keep them in a shortened position. I’m aware that tight hip flexors can lead to back pain by pulling on the pelvis and tightening the hamstrings, but I am committed to countering those effects. This struggle is common; it’s widely recognized as a leading cause of lower body pain among adults. Many of us find ourselves sitting too much, compelled by our jobs or the allure of a Netflix binge. Yet, as I age, I’m confronted with an important question: do we age harder if we lack mobility, or do we become less mobile due to age? Increasingly, I believe it is the former, and I am ready to tackle this challenge head-on.

To combat this, I make it a priority to attend yoga classes a few times a week during the summer. I won’t pretend I’m an expert—it’s definitely challenging and arguably more demanding than any other exercise I engage in, especially since it’s not yet a regular part of my routine. Nevertheless, I show up for two compelling reasons:

1. Yoga is like that friendly reminder that my body has an idea of its own about how it should move—hint: not gracefully! It’s a bit like trying to negotiate with one of my students: “We bend so we don’t break,” but some days it feels more like “We bend because that’s the only way to not fall!” Humbling is an understatement, especially when I’ve been flexing my muscles and lifting weights for well over ten years. Enter a “toe-hold” balancing pose, and suddenly I’m questioning my ability to stand. Then I remember why I’m even in the class. “I can’t,” quickly morphs into “who knew my balance was this weak? Let’s work on that.”

2. Each class I choose offers me a unique experience. While there’s a familiar stationary class that rotates through 26 poses, the other classes never fail to surprise me. The instructors adapt the flows in the hot classes and the stretches in the restorative classes, making each session feel fresh and inviting. The music shifts, and so does the mantra of the practice, creating an environment that resonates with my journey. Some days challenge me to push my limits, while others wrap me in a sense of calm and balance. Every time I step out, I leave with a deeper understanding of who I am, what I truly need, and how I can positively contribute to this beautiful universe.

It’s been a month since school let out for me, and today I confidently sat down to prepare for the invigorating 95-degree hot yoga flow, even in the peak of this scorching summer. My body seamlessly eased into a comfortable kneeling position, radiating relaxation. Next, my butterflied legs firmly touched the ground, a clear indication of my open hips and strong adductor muscles. As I stretched my legs out straight, I was pleased to discover that I could easily reach past my toes without any strain in my back. A smile spread across my face — my flexibility was undeniably making a triumphant comeback!

The exploration of something new can be daunting, especially when faced with the unfamiliar. I’ve invited many friends to join me in yoga, hoping to share the healing benefits it brings to my life, but often I encounter hesitation, feelings of inadequacy, or preconceived notions about what it entails. And that’s completely understandable. I will keep extending my invitations, not only for yoga but for all of you to step outside of your comfort zones. Remember, even the smallest step towards change is worth taking. Embrace the uncertainties and allow the thought of “I can’t” to transform into “maybe tomorrow?” Don’t wait for someone to urge you; your journey into uncharted territory can begin at any time. The more you engage in the unknown, the more natural it will become.