You have a mental map that guides how you interpret and respond to the world. It’s a set of assumptions, concepts, values, and practices that constitute a way of viewing reality.
Often, we’re not consciously aware of our maps; they’re like the air we breath – everywhere all the time- that they’re invisible to us. 1. Emotional Comfort Zone An emotional comfort zone is where our feelings and emotional responses are predictable and familiar, even if they’re not always positive. For instance, think about your anxiety. Do you stress over daily tasks, potential future problems, and even hypothetical scenarios? This state of worry, despite being uncomfortable, is becoming your emotional comfort zone. It’s a space where you feel in control because it’s familiar. IT'S REAL. You will know it's real when you start to worry that you're not worried! Ways to investigate this comfort zone:
2. Conceptual Comfort Zone
A conceptual comfort zone involves clinging to familiar beliefs or values, often without questioning them. Concept is an idea, or the way you look at things. Maybe you grew up in a family with strong political views. Do you find comfort in these views? Are they a significant part of your identity and social circle? Sticking to familiar ideas and perspectives, regardless of new information, is a conceptual comfort zone. It’s comfortable because it’s known and doesn't challenge you, but it may limit your understanding of the broader spectrum of ideas and beliefs. Ways to investigate this comfort zone:
3. Practical Comfort Zone
Practical comfort zones are about sticking to routines or physical environments that feel safe and predictable. Have you lived in the same house your entire life? Do you take the same route to school, eat the same food, and have the same friends? This routine provides a sense of security and predictability. However, it also means that you rarely experience anything new, which can limit personal growth and opportunities for new experiences. When you get anxious about change in your physical environment or daily habits, this is a classic example of a practical comfort zone. Ways to investigate this comfort zone:
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