Embracing Discomfort with Boniface Verney-Carron
by Intelligent Change
In the third episode of The Intelligent Change Podcast, our founder sits down with Boniface Verney-Carron, an Osteopath and founder of the Verney-Carron Health Practice—a holistic health clinic that takes into consideration biomechanics, neurology, circulation, digestion, and psychology for the treatment of physical symptoms.
Boniface Verney-Carron talks about the somatic-emotional side of osteopathy, how emotions are stored in the physical body, and the power of stepping out of your comfort zone.
In this article, we share powerful steps to how you can embrace discomfort, boost your resilience, and improve your life—in more ways than one.
Step 1: Avoid falling victim to the comfort crisis
Throughout history, our ancestors faced daily hardships, struggling to find sustenance and survive harsh environments. Conversely, we now find ourselves in a realm of unprecedented comfort, where we can access almost anything at the touch of a button.
However, as comforts multiply, so does our dependence on them. The ease of access to everything, from food to entertainment, has made us less willing to venture beyond our comfort zones, leading to a stagnant and complacent state of being.
Step 2: Embrace the discomfort
Breaking free from the comfort crisis involves embracing discomfort in our daily lives. Deliberately seeking situations that challenge us, both physically and mentally, helps us regain our adaptability and resilience.
According to Boniface Verney-Carron, incorporating simple discomfort exercises into our routines, like brushing our teeth with our non-dominant hand or practicing controlled breathing techniques, can spark neuroplasticity, enhance focus, and foster a sense of accomplishment.
"By challenging our bodies and minds, we tap into the innate capacity for growth and self-improvement."
Step 3: Let the discomfort impact your well-being
Stepping out of our comfort zones extends beyond momentary challenges—it has a profound impact on our overall well-being. Embracing discomfort enables us to be more present, aware, and open to learning. It encourages a shift from passive consumption to active participation in life, instilling a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Furthermore, exposing ourselves to deliberate stress through hormetic stress practices can enhance our physiological response to stressors, leading to improved immune function and overall resilience.
"In a world inundated with constant stimuli, finding moments of discomfort and mindfulness can create a much-needed sense of clarity and peace."
For more powerful lessons from Boniface Verney-Carron, listen to The Intelligent Change Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. The Intelligent Change Podcast brings you experiences from leading entrepreneurs, change makers, and innovators. Every Wednesday, join Intelligent Change founders as they discuss living with purpose, relationships, entrepreneurship, well-being, and much more.