Written by: Helen Kagan, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Comfort Zone. It is really so comfortable, right? And we’re so used to living in it comfortably that taking yourself, even a little bit, outside of it, can create a big problem or predicament or major uncomfortability that can certainly pull us back into our favorite comfort zone. But then, how can we expect any progress? We can forget about “overnight success” because it is usually built for years… And, in my modest opinion, both Success and Progress are ONLY possible when we drag ourselves outside of our “comfort zone”.
“You never change your life until you step out of your comfort zone; change begins at the end of your comfort zone.” – Roy T. Bennett
Are we living in or going in-and-out from our “authenticity zone”? Is it the same as our “comfort zone”?
In a powerful Book “’Authenticity Keys” I have co-authored with famous Jack Canfield (which was published this July 2023), one of the questions I was pondering on was –can we be completely authentic 24/7? Or do we create a special “Authenticity Zone” we go to every time we connect with our Higher Self? Now I am adding a couple of new questions here – is our “Authenticity Zone” similar to our “Comfort Zone”, and can we continue being authentic if we “stretch” our comfort zone, or go completely out of the one? Can we still be authentic when we live outside of our comfort zone (which I’ve personally done most of my life…)? Can we still be in this beautiful creative “Zone” or “Flow” when we’re outside of our comfort zone, and all our internal and external resources are geared towards just basic survival? When we find ourselves in a state of complete “overwhelm” and can barely function, are we still being authentic to our True Selves, or are we just surviving while hoping that one day things will change for the better and we will somehow get out of this terrible overwhelming state where we can’t literally do much… I know from my personal experience that yes, we are TRYING to, but in reality – it’s like running in a hamster wheel just exhausting and draining our resources more and more without having any hope for a successful resolution to our many problems… I don’t mean to paint a very dark picture of how we often put ourselves in a predicament where we confuse high – productivity with overwhelm, success with progress, comfort zone with authenticity… We can definitely change that by making different choices! (remember – my Series of articles is called “Choices & Us” :) I believe that we CAN make different choices from those we’ve been continually making expecting different results! And I do want to bring some rather unusual angle to look at those above-mentioned important things we live with every day, and perhaps, bring even more awareness to how to create a synergistic “marriage” of such important goods as authenticity, integrity, comfort zone, creativity Zone (Flow), success and progress. And I believe we can do that without living in an “overwhelm” state most of the time while trying to become worry-free, healthy, happy, successful, and abundant.
Comfort zone and authenticity zone. Are they two sides of the coin or are they the same?
I am going to explore the realm of comfort zone and authenticity zone, looking at their similarities and differences with a touch of spiritual insight, and I hope it’s interesting to you too :)
Similarities of comfort zone and authenticity
Personal Growth Nexus Both stepping out of the comfort zone and embracing authenticity often lead to personal growth. When you challenge your comfort zone, you confront new experiences that expand your skills and perspectives. Similarly, authenticity involves self-awareness and self-discovery, which lead to a deeper understanding of yourself and personal development.
Emotional Discomfort Both concepts involve navigating emotional discomfort. Stepping beyond the comfort zone can trigger anxiety or fear due to the unfamiliarity of the situation. Authenticity may require confronting vulnerabilities and expressing your true self, which can also evoke emotional unease.
Differences
Nature of Exploration Comfort Zone: This refers to the boundaries of familiarity where you feel safe and at ease. Pushing beyond the comfort zone involves venturing into the unknown or taking risks. Authenticity: This involves embracing your true self, acknowledging your feelings, thoughts, and values without conforming to external expectations. It's more about inner alignment than venturing into unfamiliar territory
External vs. Internal Focus Comfort Zone: It's more about external challenges and situations that require adaptation. The focus is on overcoming external obstacles. Authenticity: This is an internal journey that involves self-reflection and introspection. It's about understanding your internal landscape and staying true to it regardless of external pressures
Growth vs. Self-Expression Comfort Zone: The emphasis is on personal growth and expanding your capabilities. Stepping out of your comfort zone often involves developing new skills. Authenticity: The focus is on self-expression and being true to who you are. Authenticity doesn't necessarily require you to acquire new skills, but rather to embrace and express what's already within you.
Outcome and Impact Comfort Zone: Pushing beyond the comfort zone may result in tangible achievements or new experiences. The emphasis is on accomplishment and growth. Authenticity: Embracing authenticity leads to a sense of fulfillment, self-acceptance, and meaningful connections with others. The emphasis is on aligning with your values and creating genuine relationships.
In this exploration above, I tried to bring awareness to such important concepts as stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing authenticity. And even though they share the common ground of personal growth and emotional discomfort, they differ in their focus, nature of exploration, and outcomes. Stepping beyond the comfort zone involves pushing external boundaries for growth, while authenticity centers on internal alignment and genuine self-expression. Balancing both can lead to a richer, more fulfilling life where you grow, evolve, and stay true to yourself.
Now, let’s discover, with a touch of spiritual insight, how similar and different are the "State of overwhelm" and the “State of being in a Flow” (creative Zone).
For me, when I live from higher-vibrational frequencies of Love and Light, I feel “connected” and authentic. I can speculate that when you’re connected with your Higher Self, you inevitably become authentic. But can we do it 24/7? Or do we go in-and-out of this magical zone? It was an important realization for me that sometimes we are inauthentic. It doesn't necessarily mean that when you’re out of your ‘Authenticity Zone’ you are bad, or you do something you later regret, or you will make some major mistakes. Well… first, I believe there are no mistakes – just Lessons we’re to learn from, and Choices we make that are not congruent with our Authentic Self. Authenticity means being true to yourself, right? But since we’re constantly changing, I can define “being authentic” is when I’m connected with my Higher Self in that “authenticity zone” from which we just go in-and-out, because it is simply impossible to be there 24/7. Or is it possible?
For instance, when I am creating, I know exactly when I am in my Creative Zone (Flow), I know exactly how it feels when I am “in a Zone” – I'm excited, happy, dancing, or I am calm, quiet, and meditative. And I can experience all these at the same time because I am ‘in a Zone’ with high-vibrational frequencies. Because there – I am 100% authentic, i.e., connected to my Higher Self, God, and Universal wisdom. I invite you all to experience this magical phenomenon “being in a zone” – it is beautiful and so inspiring!
Now, let’s see the similarities and differences of being in a "State of Overwhelm" vs. the “Flow State”
Similarities:
Present-Moment Focus Both states invite you into the present moment. In the state of overwhelm, the sheer intensity of tasks can pull you into the immediate demands. In the Flow state, the immersion in creativity anchors you firmly in the present, as the mind transcends distractions.
Altered Perception In both states, time can become fluid. When overwhelmed, the rush of tasks can create a sensation of time slipping away. In the Flow state, time might feel suspended as you lose track of it in the depths of creativity.
Engagement and Presence Both states foster deep engagement. Overwhelm engages you through external demands, while the Flow state engages you through internal motivation and passion, aligning your actions with your inner essence.
Differences
Emotional Quality Overwhelm: Overwhelm often brings stress, anxiety, and a sense of fragmentation as you juggle numerous demands. The emotional terrain is turbulent, driven by external pressures. Flow: The Flow state is marked by positive emotions such as joy, fulfillment, and a sense of purpose. These emotions arise from the harmony between your creativity and your inner self.
Awareness and Presence Overwhelm: Overwhelm can sometimes lead to a fragmented awareness as your attention is scattered among tasks. The sense of presence can be diluted by the need to manage multiple aspects . Flow: The Flow state deepens your awareness and presence. You are fully absorbed in the creative act, aligning with your soul's expression and transcending the distractions of the external world.
Spiritual insights
Alignment with the Soul Overwhelm: Overwhelm can distance you from your spiritual core. The barrage of tasks can cloud your connection to your deeper self and disrupt your spiritual harmony. Flow: The Flow state is akin to aligning with your soul's purpose. Creativity often springs from a place of inner wisdom, connecting you with your spiritual essence and allowing your authentic self to express itself.
Surrender and Control Overwhelm: Overwhelm can stem from an attachment to control. Trying to manage everything can be a manifestation of a need for control over external circumstances. Flow: The Flow state requires surrendering to the creative process. When you let go of rigid control, you allow the creative energy of the universe to flow through you, resulting in a spiritual dance of co-creation.
Embracing the Moment Overwhelm: Overwhelm can lead to a disconnection from the present moment as you worry about the future tasks. The present becomes a source of stress. Flow: The Flow state celebrates the present. When immersed in creativity, you are fully present, tapping into the timeless now where inspiration flourishes.
In this exploration we can see that while the State of overwhelm and the State of Flow share similarities in their focus and engagement, their spiritual insights lie in their emotional qualities, level of awareness, alignment with the soul, surrender, and embracing the present moment. Recognizing these aspects can guide you toward embracing and practicing the Flow state and navigating through Overwhelm with spiritual wisdom, allowing you to harmonize your external tasks with your inner creativity and authenticity.
Now, let’s explore such interesting things as Progress and Success, which will be the last ones for this inquisitive article.
I personally, see Success as a Journey that requires a multidimensional combination of principles and strategies – authenticity, trust, integrity, perseverance, dedication, gratitude, living on Purpose, following your Vision and Mission. And many other things, like being authentic and committed to high ethical standards; building trusting relationships; having perseverance and dedication which are critical for overcoming challenges and achieving goals; building synergy that enhances creativity and leads to innovative solutions; “loving what you do” and finding joy in the process – all that provides motivation and inspiration for continued progress. Progress. But not necessarily Success. Right? Or wrong? Isn’t it basically the same – if we choose the same principles and strategies – aren’t we destined to become successful? Let’s see… and delve into the intriguing concepts of progress and success, highlighting their similarities and differences, which hopefully, will help us to know where we’re going and why.
Similarities of progress and success
Achievement Both progress and success involve achieving goals or moving forward in some aspect of life. They signify a positive movement from one point to another.
Personal Growth Both concepts often involve personal growth and development. Progress and success are markers of advancement, improvement, and learning.
Differences
Nature of Achievement Progress: This refers to incremental steps or advancement in a particular direction. It doesn't necessarily imply reaching a final destination but denotes movement forward. Success: Success is often associated with achieving a specific goal or outcome. It implies a notable accomplishment that aligns with personal or societal standards of achievement.
Measurement Progress: The measurement of progress can vary and might not be universally standardized. It can be subjective and can involve various aspects of growth. Success: Success is usually more concrete and measurable. It often involves clear indicators such as achieving a specific target, reaching a certain level, or receiving recognition.
Time Frame Progress: Progress can be ongoing and continuous. It focuses on the journey and the accumulation of small achievements over time. Success: Success is often seen as a moment or a milestone that is reached. It marks the culmination of effort and achievement.
Subjectivity Progress: The perception of progress can be subjective and personal. What might be considered progress for one individual may not be the same for another. Success: While there can be varying definitions of success, it often carries more societal or external benchmarks. Success might involve meeting certain standards or expectations set by society or oneself.
Scope: Progress: Progress can be both small-scale and large-scale. It can encompass a range of improvements in different areas of life. Success: Success often relates to significant achievements in specific domains, such as career, education, or personal aspirations.
Continuous vs. Definitive Progress: Progress is an ongoing journey. It's about consistently moving forward, adapting, growing. Success: Success is often seen as a culmination or achievement of a specific goal. It's a state that is reached, acknowledged, and celebrated.
We can see from the above comparison that while progress and success both involve achievement and personal growth, they differ in terms of the nature of achievement, measurement, time frame, subjectivity, scope, and their continuous versus definitive nature. Progress represents the journey of growth and development, while Success represents the attainment of specific goals or outcomes. Balancing both can lead to a fulfilling life where you appreciate the steps forward as well as the milestones reached. So… as we can see it’s again, all about Choices we make. Why we’re making them, how they affect us and our environment, and how they serve our Mission and Purpose in Life.
One of my own very strong (positive!) beliefs is that art heals. And this is exactly why I continue creating, in many different ways, shapes, and forms! I believe that art is a catalyst for healing individuals, society, and environment. I believe that for many of us, creatives, art is a spiritual path, a transformational process, a way of being. I believe in the inter-connectedness of mind, body, and spirit. I believe that now, more than ever, our World needs the positive energy and spiritually-based intentions, beliefs, and values. As a statement of all my beliefs, my “HealingArts” is my unique way to synergistically bring together fine art, expressive arts, and art of healing to enhance wellbeing, make right choices, bring Love & Light, practice gratitude, embrace humanity.
I’ve become a published and bestselling author rather suddenly… I’ve been previously featured in many Magazines including Authority, Thrive Global, ArtTour International, Art & Beyond, VoyageMia, Insights, but then was published in a “We’re All In This Together” (2021) which made me a Bestseller Author. I am continuing to work on my own 2 exciting books (despite all possible challenges), and co-authoring a Book on Authenticity with Jack Canfield. But my most attention and intention are always dedicated to developing my new unique venue integrating Art, Fashion, Design, and Healing – WearableHealingArts™ – to make healing through art more accessible to everyone. Our big commercial platform WearableHealingArts.com is almost ready… Just a few days left to a launch! Stay tuned!
In the meantime, please visit here to enjoy my healing colors, and perhaps even meditate on the above concepts about Authenticity, Integrity, and Self-Love.
Thanks for reading!
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Helen Kagan, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Helen Kagan Ph.D., a scientist, psychologist, artist, a pioneer of creating art with the intention to heal, is a creator of unique HealingArts™ for 30 years. Helen believes art is a catalyst for healing individuals & society and engaging Healthcare & Hospitality to encourage healing through art. As a severe PTSD survivor who dedicated her life to helping others, she synergistically integrates Fine Art, Expressive Arts & Art of Healing. “HealingArts” shown in multiple International Galleries, States, Countries, and Catalogs, won awards, named "Collectible Artist". Dr. Kagan was nominated and awarded by Passion Vista, an International Luxury Lifestyle Business Magazine, to be one of 40 Women-Leaders worldwide, to look up to in 2023. Her Mission now is to successfully run a new unique venue integrating art, fashion, design & healing ‒ WearableHealingArts™ ‒ to make healing through art accessible to everyone. Please check it out – www.WearableHealingArts.com
