Breaking Free of Our Comfort Zones
| My daughter, Alex gave her senior speech this week on non-attachment and letting go. In her message to her classmates, faculty, and family, she told this story. In 1992, a Chinese freighter mistakenly dropped a crate of 30,000 rubber duckies into the Pacific Ocean. Three months later, many of these “friendly floatees” were discovered on the coasts of Indonesia, Australia, and South America. Some daring ducks headed toward Alaska by crossing the Bering Strait and even sailed through the Arctic Ocean, finally landing on the coast of England.
Due to the accidental release of the rubber duckies, scientists were able to better understand ocean currents and wave patterns. Through this research, the ducks have introduced new opportunities to study more about the behavior of our oceans. These ducks not only contributed to oceanography research, but they also represent the idea of letting go of our comfort zone and trusting the rhythm of life to carry us to many other locations around the world. Our passionate intentions will shape our own lives and the world once they are given a chance to float on their own accord. All of us encounter the emotional pull everyday to remain in our “comfort zone” and hold on to our protective shell of the past. This comfort zone can be addictive and paralyze us within its rigid boundaries. If we don’t break free and let go of what keeps us stuck, we will be cemented in the quicksands of our past patterns and unable to move forward, welcoming the opportunities that our present-future holds. Letting go open us to birthing new chapters in our lives and ultimately, personal transformation. So here we go. One foot after the other. One deep breath at a time. One threshold after another to cross. Be one of those brave rubber duckies riding the currents into a purposeful future. |
