I was watching a Star Trek movie the other night. Captain Picard challenges Captain Kirk to stay conscious and conscientious. They were in the Nexus, a timeless, feel-good place from which they needed to depart to save a Solar System. Kirk was ready to get comfortable in his dream while Picard was urging him to wake up. Kirk quickly figures out the dream isn't real, and the duo's adventure together begins--neither knowing whether they will live or die…but of course!

Are you a sleeper or are you awake and willing to tough out the possible dangers? Will you run or will you choose to move beyond your typical framework, risking being uncomfortable? Sounds a little like a back door doesn't it!? Let's find out.

Here's a simple, easy awareness exercise. You will need a partner to keep you honest! Lie down, on the floor in a comfortable position, on your back, your eyes closed. Your partner will simply observe. Settle into this place, wiggling around to find the best position; breathing deeply and relaxing as much as you can. Take about 9 breaths, adjusting your body as needed. How do you feel?

Next, ask your partner to align your body in all dimensions: length, width, depth. Make certain your ears, shoulders, hips and feet are on parallel, horizontal lines and there is equal weight on both sides of your body; take the curves out of your spine, lengthening and straightening.

Do your best to surrender to this new position, relaxing and breathing again for about 9 cycles. Your partner will observe, giving you feedback later. Notice how you feel. What are your sensations? Are you twitching or compelled to go back to the original position, either consciously or unconsciously? What are the specific feelings you get; what is your mind saying; what emotions are arising? Be in this position for 10-15 minutes just breathing and noticing. Don't move a thing. If you are in the least bit compelled to shift even the smallest amount, breathe into the place that wants to move. Be still and notice.

Your responses to this physical exercise are reflections of how you act in daily life. Are you willing to change, go with the flow, integrate and grow? Are you able to just be in a place, or, are you likely to revert back to entrenched old patterns because it's easier and more comfortable that way? This physical exercise may prove evolutionary with potential to open a door to new awareness and change in your life. Do it regularly to see how you've progressed and what your body is telling you about yourself.

Gregg Simmons wrote a book, "These Things You Shall Do and Greater," based on his personal journey and years of teaching self-mastery and consciousness. At one point, while preparing for a big lecture, a group of his students were complaining about how they felt in their bodies and asked him when they would feel more comfortable about their growth. His reply was something like this: "I haven't been comfortable in my body for 25 years!"

I learned some years ago that comfort is just an idea and a cover for denial. Even so, I tried desperately to find my physical comfort zone. As the Universe nudged me harder to progress, this search became a full-time gig; I was obsessed with being okay in my body. Only recently have I begun to realize that comfort on this path isn't the primary objective. In fact, I enthusiastically embrace discomfort as the key to finding my true self and daily remind myself of Gregg Simmons words.

That said, I spend a lot of time listening to and giving my body what it needs throughout the day. Sometimes it asks for something sweet and instead I give it water; sometimes it wants to move and I go for a walk or do some stretches. Other times my body is anxious and wants to run away; I usually just breathe through that sensation. Perception is only the beginning. The interpretation of those perceptions and the actions taken is where real finesse and consciousness enters.

Please don't confuse discomfort with extreme situations or go out looking for ways to hurt your physical body. Discomfort is really just an opportunity to become aware of your body's signals and linking them to the triggers: situations, emotions, feelings and negative thoughts or beliefs. It means staying conscious in a moment that potentially creates the urge to go unconscious, avoiding yourself.

And likewise, please don't confuse comfort with ease or being in the flow; they are really very different concepts and experiences. Ease is a state of mind, even in times of peak stress. Going with the flow oftentimes will take you over a lot of hidden boulders; through whirlpools that spin you around viciously, even pulling you down, taking your breath away until you feel as though you are dying. Going with the flow most likely takes you places you had never planned nor even imagined, right out of your safe little stream into the rushing, pulsing rivers of the Amazon.

Underneath the surface of this wild body of water lie the monsters of the deep. When you are easy, you ride the rapids feet first, head above water, with trust and curiosity, and a bent toward adventure. Even if you do choose in favor of the luxury view, you could be surprised by a sudden rise in water flooding your comfort zone, launching you and your fancy lounge chair face first into the muddy, deadly currents.

Are you still sitting in that barkalounger?