Who would ever think that Canadian Geese could teach us a thing or two about stepping outside our comfort zone?

What do you picture when someone mentions geese? Two images stand out - perhaps a beautiful flock flying in unison as one entity across the sky. Or perhaps another image of a gaggle of geese in a nearby park. This past weekend, several geese challenged these usual images.

While visiting a local coffee shop (an inviting spot in an otherwise monotonous strip mall), while drinking a latte, and reading the paper, to our bewilderment, two large Canadian geese were casually strolling, prancing, and sauntering through the busy parking lot, oblivious to traffic and the hustle of morning shoppers. They meandered over to the grassy parking strip between cars and glanced up very casually, and then went about their business of pecking for interesting tidbits in the grass. 

They seemed very much at ease in a place one would assume to be way out of their comfort zone. They didn’t seem scared or intimidated as they hung back, out of the way of motorists.

Their powerful presence in a sea of people and vehicles gave me pause. 

Our practical and rational left brain, reminded us that they probably had just wandered over from the little pond about 200 feet away, which was their home. But, reframing the question it wasn’t so much how or why they’d arrived here - rather, why they were so comfortable in what seemed to be a threatening, unknown environment.

It makes one wonder what happens when we leave our comfort zones?

Are there tidbits of “nourishment” waiting for us if we’re willing to stretch beyond our own circles? Can we safely leave the security and safety of known surroundings and relationships to explore areas that may be a little strange? And can we do so with an open mind and willingness to embrace what comes from our new environments—like the two geese?

Here are some tips to help us explore and push out of own comfort zones to be more inclusive and at ease with the unknown:

·     Put all expectations of how things should be aside. Be open to different norms and values.

·     Maintain your cool, even when something makes you think and act differently.

·     Be curious and look at stepping outside of your comfort as an opportunity to learn.

·     And remember - diversity of thought and environments can lead to more creativity and excitement.

So, if the same old ideas and patterns are starting to bore you, step outside of your comfort zone, take the “leap of faith”,  and enjoy a new experience that may lead to personal growth!