I had an opportunity last week to take a class.
What I took away from the 4 day workshop was much more than what the facilitator presented.
As I stayed open to the experience, I felt the discomfort of being presented new information and how this pushed me to create new habits.
The class required not only passive learning, but also active participation of practicing the skills of the class in a group setting.
Not only was there practice, but there was also a requirement of performing the skills in front of others too.
The growth in learning, as I experienced it, was a physiological experience, not just what was inputted into my brain.
I felt acute stress as discomfort in my body. Nervousness about how well I would do or not do, worry about “what if I don’t pass” or the biggest one, “what if I mess up during the practical portion of the test?”
The last piece of “messing up” brought up waves of anticipation of embarrassment which often leads me to avoid potential “scary” situations.
My fear was kicking up and my body was going into fight or flight mode.
Even though this acute stress wasn’t endangering my life, my brain didn’t know that!
I recognized the energy showing up and I harnessed the energy into forward motion and using the stress to find the ways to use it in a productive way.
I leaned into where I felt the most challenged, I discovered an action step that I can take and I used the energy into staying focused on improving on the skill.
Remaining focused on my intention and being present to the experience allowed me the opportunity to improve. The feedback I received from one of the group members is that she told me, “you nailed it”.
Even though it was affirming to hear this from someone observing, I knew I nailed.
How can you lean into something you’re learning today and see what messages show up for you?
Four Paws & You Dog Training 