I have this theory.

When we are uncomfortable

emotionally, spiritually, physically, politically,

we are experiencing moments of truth.

Discomfort is a truth teller,

and we often run away from it.

We fear it.

We avoid it.

We strive for a life that is

a series of comfortable moments.

The security blanket is our first comfort.

(Outside our parents' grasp)

Our quest for happiness thereafter

is justified on the basis of comfort.

Comfortable living.

Comfortable jobs.

Comfortable health benefits.

Comfortable partners.

Comfortable dwellings.

Comfortable waistbands.

Comfortable shoes.

Interspersed through it all

is inevitable discomfort.

We pacify it temporarily,

or deny it entirely.

Worse yet,

we ignore the discomfort of others.

We fear and stigmatize

those without comfort.

Those without

salaries

jobs

safety nets

partners

homes

clothes

shoes.

Worse still,

we disconnect

from the roots of that discomfort.

My wealth

is not related

to your suffering.

My prosperity?

not dependent

on your exploitation.

It's uncomfortable

to witness discomfort.

We avert the eyes

of the Other.

We rationalize it

and make it go away.

(or turn it into

a benefit gala and

movie of the week)

But in these moments of discomfort,

we have a choice.

We can explore it.

Sit with it for a moment,

welcome it

like a new stranger in our life.

Wonder where it came from,

and where it's going.

Ask questions.

Through this interaction,

we learn something

about ourselves,

about this world

that we might never have known otherwise.

Discomfort is your friend.

Get acquainted.

It's not going anywhere.

It brings with it a nagging truth.

A revealing moment

about our deep-seated

fears

desires

needs.

It is a truth-teller

that we summon

quite easily

yet dismiss with great difficulty.

Why not let it stay a while?

Because if you figure it out

you're that much closer

to whatever it is

that brought you here

and keeps you here.

Being uncomfortable

means being honest.