The concept of mindfulness is proving more challenging than I anticipated, likely because thinking is inherently difficult. I’ve noticed that I often prefer using physical strength to accomplish tasks rather than taking the to think things through.

Thinking demands deliberate effort and intense concentration, which many people avoid because it’s hard. In contrast, using physical strength doesn’t require the same level of mental engagement.

Initially, learning something new is usually the most difficult, but once we grasp it, we can perform it effortlessly. For example, consider doing a chore for the first time. You concentrate intensely while learning, but once you’ve mastered it, the task becomes almost automatic.

Growth, however, requires stepping out of our comfort zones. It is uncomfortable, which is why many people avoid it. Growth involves unlearning what we know about a subject and learning new perspectives, often very different from our previous understanding. It can be painful, hard, humbling, and sometimes even shameful as it reveals our ignorance. Yet, growth brings awareness and illuminates new areas of understanding. It begins with thinking.

Additionally, humans are creatures of habit because it is easier. Just because something has always worked doesn’t mean it will continue to do so. As creatures of habit, we often fail to reconsider until we face a significant challenge, which forces us to find a solution—assuming it doesn’t overwhelm us and lead us to give up.

We are made to master our responsibilities, and I believe that God created us to rule over and master the responsibilities He has given us. To achieve this, we must first master ourselves. Mastery of ourselves requires intense concentration, reflection, understanding, and, most importantly, control. We can choose to grow on our own terms or be compelled by circumstances. Though I dislike discomfort, I now see that growth is a fundamental part of the human experience, and I would prefer to embrace it willingly.

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