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The other weekend was scary and empowering at the same time for me: I finally left my comfort zone and brought myself to book a spot in a yoga inversions workshop!
For years, it has been a dream of mine to learn how to handstand and to hold the crow pose for longer than a few seconds (in case, you don't know what the heck the crow pose is, here's a quick video about it).
Despite watching a ton of tutorials and asking different yoga trainers during class about how to find balance in inversions, I never got rid of my fear of falling over and crashing my face (or other parts of my body).
In the inversions workshop though, I finally learned techniques and steps, that got me so much closer to a handstand - and that alone already enhanced my overall yoga and mindfulness practice.
Another really great thing of getting out of my comfort zone that weekend was meeting other like-minded lovely yoginis. Living in a big city can be a bit lonely sometimes and I'm always grateful to meet inspiring women, getting to know their life stories and discussing similar interests.
So not only did I get to hang out with some awesome yoga-loving ladies, I also learned how to face my fear of losing control and heading into unknown areas thanks to a truly motivating and empathic yoga teacher. Yey! (That's me in the picture, the second on the right ;))
That whole experience showed me, that you sometimes need someone else's guidance and wisdom to get to the next level. Someone who pushes and challenges you to get out of your comfort zone. When it comes to self-development, any investment in yourself is well worth it.
That could involve money, but also means putting in the time and effort to learn from someone who's a master in the discipline you want to excel in. Otherwise, you most likely wouldn't get anywhere close to where you want to be.
Weekly Nuggets of Wisdom
Some soul-stirring inspiration to read, listen to, watch and create to "get out of your comfort zone and having new experiences" - enjoy!
I recommend...
...reading:
'Wild by Cheryl Strayed'. Boy, this book is the book about leaving one's comfort zone. And it's not even made up but based on the author's life. One of the most beautiful stories, I've ever read. Period.
Here's what the book's about: "At twenty-two, Cheryl Strayed thought she had lost everything. In the wake of her mother’s death, her family scattered and her own marriage soon destroyed, she made the most impulsive decision of her life.
With no experience or training, driven only by blind will, she'd hike more than a thousand miles of the Pacific Crest Trail from the Mojave Desert through California and Oregon to Washington State - alone.
Told with suspense and style, sparkling with warmth and humor, 'Wild' powerfully captures the terrors and pleasures of one young woman forging ahead against all odds on a journey that maddened, strengthened, and ultimately healed her."
...listening:
'Ludovico Einaudi - Eros'. I had the great pleasure to visit one of this geniuses' concerts in the Dubai Opera - and it was AMAZING!
I was utterly speechless after his performance and I still struggle finding the right words to describe this unforgettable and mind-blowing evening. If you're into piano music and ever have the chance to attend a Ludovico Einaudi Concert, do yourself a favor and get a ticket. Trust me: Every single dime is well spent. 'Eros' was one of my favorite pieces of the Maestro's incredible show.
...watching:
'My Trips 2017 | NINA'. That's my travel summary video of last year. 2017 has been truly awesome and I'm super grateful for having been able to travel that much, experiencing extraordinary things along the way and meeting new friends in all different parts of the world. Let's see what's gonna happen in 2018, I can't wait for new adventures!
...creating:
'How to make a Buddha Bowl in no time' & 'How to make an Avocado Rose'.
First, I was really scared to make avocado roses, I didn't want to mess them up right away. And then I thought: Who cares??? If I never try, I'll never learn how to make them! I started a blog series called ‘Easy & Healthy Vegan Treats’ with easy and quick whole-food plant-based recipes.
I regularly add recipes to this section covering breakfast, lunch and dinner. Doesn’t matter if you’re following a whole-food plant-based diet or not, all recipes are easily customizable.
What about You?
When have you lately left your comfort zone and how did you feel about it? Have you tried something new in the last couple of weeks? I'm super curious, so please share your story with me 🙂
If you’re looking for practical ways on how to be more mindful in your daily life, I’ve put together what I call ‘The ultimate beginner’s guide to a mindful lifestyle’ incl. a 30 day planner to keep track on your habits. Download it for free now.
