We often find comfort in conflict. Intensity and contrast are all around us, all the time, especially with everything happening around the world. For many of us, conflict has become our default setting. And when it goes on too long, we feel more comfortable in the chaos of an argument or a dramatic piece of news than in stillness.

Pushing limits until they break

Often we pride ourselves on how much we can handle. Our backs are strong, people can lean on us. The more problems to solve and the more crises to manage, the better. We take it on not necessarily because we want to, but mostly out of habit and because we can. We hold on to the limited belief of: “I should because I can.” And when chaos outside settles, we realize we have forgotten how to thrive without it. Our subconscious seeks the familiarity of chaos.

I know this about me. I can push my limits quite far until I can't anymore. I can ignore my desire for stillness and creative expression for a long while,...