Jenna Wynes- On Comfort

         Animals crawl into small places and feel safe. Of course, cats and many other animals do it, but I have never seen anyone love small spaces as much as my dog, Bailey. She is a highly anxiety-ridden dog who craves attention and love constantly. To console herself and feel comfortable when she sleeps, she likes to curl up in the smallest dog bed in the house. She is half hanging from the side of it, yet she remains steadfast in her determination to curl up in our 7-pound dog’s bed. She does this because it brings her comfort. In her way, she is mediating her symptoms through self-regulation and mindfulness. 

When these ideas were discussed in class, they reminded me of how individuals react differently to stress. What causes people to prefer certain types of comfort over others? 

Some ideas:

  • nurture (raised with those values)

  • nature (genetics)

  • randomness?

        In my opinion, what impacts these preferences is how one is raised. If a family raises their children with kindness and compassion, then it stands to reason that that child will exhibit those traits. A compassionate and supportive environment can still inhibit habits of seeking comfort through positive and healthy mechanisms, Such as connecting with loved ones or engaging in mindful practices. Some discrepancies of this theory are when a child goes through a significant trauma and reverts into a childlike state or develops harmful coping mechanisms. Genetics is also a factor in stress responses, as predispositions to anxiety, resilience, and sensitivity, can influence how one reacts to difficult situations

Randomness, while less tangible introduces the element of unpredictability into the equation life experiences, chance encounters, and personal quirks can lead to unique comfort preferences that are difficult to categorize. Bailey’s choice to use the smallest bed (though impractical) in the house might stem from an unpredictable mix of her personality past experiences and innate instincts. Bailey’s choice to use the smallest bed in the house might stem from an unpredictable mix of her personality, past experiences, and innate instincts.

despite these variations, the universal need for love and security vines us all. Comfort whether found in a cramp, dog bed, or warm embrace, speaks to the fundamental animal and human desire to connect and feel safe. Expressions of love, understanding, and empathy can alleviate stress, which allows individuals to find the strength to navigate challenges. 

Bailey's story as a reminder of this universal truth. Her determination to build her fuzzy-cuddly haven highlights, how comfort preferences reflect deeper, psychological and emotional needs understanding these behaviors in animals and humans allows us to approach others with compassion and recognize universal mental support needs, which will create a more understanding and accepting world.


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