We can relax only when we’ve mapped that territory over and over and haven’t found any sign of danger. This is where the modern notion of comfort zone comes from. When we’re in a place that is safe and familiar, we feel comfortable. This can be a physical place that feels safe (like our home), an activity that we’re good at (e.g., playing a favorite sport or musical instrument), or even a mental space we inhabit (e.g., teaching seminars on habit change is my sweet spot, math not so much).
