HEALTH & WELL- BEING Y
SHANTI DOUGLAS
posing, a method for, among other benefits, increasing one’s self-confidence). Even as the feeling fades and you move into the shadows of another moment of discomfort, your attitude and perspective will have changed. The habit of turning away has shifted a degree. There’s a little bit more boldness and courage in your stance. While you’ve still got time this summer, what’s one thing you’d like to try—something that would have you feeling a rush of nervous but excited energy? What would have you saying, “Yes, I did it!” without attachment to perfection of the outcome, where the unknown was an acceptable variable? In my recent nonscientific poll, some things people would like to do outside of their comfort zone include: • Zip-line • Run a 5K
• Do a live video on their social media business page • Tell someone they love them • Do a stand-up comedy routine • Participate in an activist gathering • Go on a dance retreat • Bike the rail trails • Forgive someone. I’m inviting you to put down shyness, fear, trepidation, pure logic, and all the reasons why not and instead turn to face your aliveness staring back at you in the mirror. See what’s behind the curtain of sameness. Have some fun and stretch yourself to try something new and daring, do things differently. This is how you learn and grow. Don’t wait for absolute clarity or confidence before you act. “To be born into the new, one must die to the old.” And remember, small steps are great. You don’t need to get pushed out of an airplane . . . unless, of course, you’re ready for that.
Discover peaceful simplicity. Tour 25 original buildings, visit with craft demonstrators, shop the Museum Store, and lunch at our Café. Gardens, nature trails, and special events throughout the NE-276121
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Open Tues.-Sun. until Labor Day, then 7 days through Oct. 20 and weekends from Oct. 26 - Nov. 24 www.shakers.org
W W W. A R O U N D C O N C O R D . C O M
603-783-9511
288 Shaker Road, Canterbury, NH 03224