To be fully alive, fully human, and completely awake is to be continually thrown out of the nest. — Pema Chödrön
Created at: April 30, 2025
To be fully alive, fully human, and completely awake is to be continually thrown out of the nest. — Pema Chödrön
Embracing Discomfort for Growth
Pema Chödrön's metaphor of being 'thrown out of the nest' suggests that true vitality comes from repeatedly leaving comfort zones. Like a fledgling bird forced to fly for the first time, humans often discover their capabilities only when faced with unexpected challenges. In Viktor Frankl's *Man’s Search for Meaning* (1946), the author recounts how his greatest insights emerged during his harshest trials, underscoring that discomfort can catalyze profound personal development.
Awakening to the Present Moment
Being 'completely awake' signifies mindfulness—living in the present and accepting the unpredictability of life. Chödrön, a Buddhist nun, shares in *When Things Fall Apart* (1997) that awareness arises precisely when we relinquish control and dwell in uncertainty. The Buddhist tradition teaches that clinging to the familiar hinders enlightenment, and the journey truly begins at the moment of letting go.
The Human Experience of Vulnerability
To be 'fully human' involves confronting vulnerability. Brené Brown, in *Daring Greatly* (2012), argues that embracing vulnerability is essential for wholehearted living. Similarly, being pushed from the nest represents exposure and uncertainty, yet it is in these moments that one's resilience and authenticity are tested and revealed.
Cycles of Reinvention
The phrase implies that life’s challenges are ongoing; once comfort is re-established, new upheavals arise. Joseph Campbell’s 'Hero’s Journey,' outlined in *The Hero with a Thousand Faces* (1949), illustrates that every adventure begins with departure from the ordinary; upon return, further departures inevitably await. This cyclical deepening is vital to remaining alive and awake to one's potential.
Compassion for Self and Others
Chödrön teaches that repeated 'expulsions from the nest' build empathy. Each personal struggle increases our capacity to understand and support others in theirs. This idea echoes in Tolstoy’s *Resurrection* (1899), where suffering leads the protagonist to a compassionate awakening, seeing his experience reflected in others.