If a situation is making you uncomfortable, how do you know if it’s best to move through the discomfort or walk away?

One theory of thought is that any real growth is fostered within our discomfort. From this perspective, when we are physically, emotionally or mentally stressed it can be an invitation to grow and learn. The discomfort may be an indicator that we are in the contraction phase of our growth process.  Eventually the expansion will come and the end result will be a transformation, if not a change in perception about our experience.

This theory is clearly supported by our physical bodies. As we go through physical growth spurts we experience growing pains that cause great discomfort. In order to strengthen a muscle, we have to stress the tissue enough to build more muscle fibers.

Another example would be contractions during the birthing process. A woman’s contractions help move the mother’s experience away from ‘carrying’ the child to caring for the child. Most women would say that there is no greater discomfort for the greatest growth experience of their lives. From this perspective, the concept of contracting before ‘birth’ mirrors the natural process of all growth.

Emotionally we can see this theory to be true as well. Children go through many ups and downs as they enter their teenage years. Both the parent and the child experience great discomfort as the child’s focus moves away from their parents to their now most influential teachers…their peers. Teen- agers’ emotions can become heightened as a rapid surge of hormones ripple throughout their bodies causing both physical and emotional discomfort.

The emotional discomfort can be so unbearable at times that they may want to check out emotionally. This is why drugs and alcohol can be so alluring for young people. Once they enter an intoxicated state, they are no longer grounded enough within themselves to make wise judgment calls and the emotional pain temporarily goes away.  It’s as if they become free agents for self-destructive behaviors that distract them from dealing with their inner pain in a healthier way.

From an energetic point of view, sometimes things really have to be shaken up to create enough momentum to move us from one energetic vibration to the next. Where there is the greatest energetic upheaval lies the biggest opportunity for growth. Take a volcano for example; a massive amount of energy needs to be built up in order for a volcano to fully erupt.  In its wake, it leaves massive destruction of the old growth to reveal new life and vegetation for the region. We humans are no different.

How many times has it seemed like our lives have fallen completely apart just to find out they were actually falling into place?

But like strengthening a muscle, healthy discomfort offers short-term pain followed by positive results. Chronic discomfort without the positive results of growth is unhealthy for us and in that case, the lesson may be to honor yourself and move on.

If you, or someone you know, is struggling right now, I applaud you for your strength. Know that on some level great things are happening within you and for you. You may not know why you have to be in this place at the moment, but one day it will all make sense. And when that day comes, you will have a renewed gratitude for life taking care of you. For “nothing happens to me. Everything happens for me.” Alice Inoue

About the Author

Angela Strank is passionate about using her profound gifts to assist others in transforming and living their best lives. She is much more than a Life Coach, Intuitive Healer and Teacher. She is often referred to as the Life Changer. Using her gifts and talents she helps clients move through major life challenges into successful outcomes. Her gentle trusting nature, deep compassion, and intuitive gifts have touched the lives of many.

~ Exerpt from “You Can Heal Your Chakras” by Angela Strank