A summertime check-in: Comfort-Stretch-Panic & Disability Pride Month

Checking in with Comfort-Stretch-PanicWhen something big is going on—when bad news arrives, as they say, on horseback—it can useful to check in. One of my favorite ways to do this can be accomplished in only a few minutes, either with a group or by yourself. Here it is.First, take a look at this diagram:Then, consider the question: Where are you right now?Really, pause for a moment. Point to the screen. Find your spot. Then take a deep breath.You might think Comfort is the ideal place, but in fact it’s not, at least for long. We can and should rest in comfort, but not abide there. The familiar becomes repetitive, then eventually monotonous and boring.On the other end, Panic seems like a bad deal, and it is.In general, a good spot to be is with one foot in Comfort and the other in Stretch. Shift back and forth as needed. In other words, Stretch, but when it’s too much, hopefully you can lean back into Comfort rather than tip forward into Panic.The diagram is one expression of Tom…