Dancing With Discomfort

Catalog description

Examines discomfort as a central mechanism in learning, development, and change, drawing on concepts and practices from Dancing with Discomfort. Students distinguish discomfort from related constructs such as comfort, safety, and psychological safety; analyze their personal transition and training experiences; and evaluate how different forms of practice shape growth over time. Through critical reflection and applied inquiry, participants develop a learning identity that normalizes discomfort and supports resilience, adaptability, and continuous improvement. The course is highly interactive and practice-based, engaging students in structured individual, small-group, and whole-group activities designed to build self-awareness and discomfort stamina. Students apply the Transitions Training Framework (Warm-up, Practice, Performance, Rest) to develop a personalized transitions training plan and toolkit for navigating change in personal and professional contexts.