073: The Comfort Zone Myth: From Familiar Stress to True Freedom

Why Comfort Isn't About Comfort At All

It's trendy to say "get out of your comfort zone" if you want to achieve success and the life of your dreams.

I believe this is true.

But have you ever stopped to think what exactly that means?

Each person has a different comfort zone - what is comfortable for me could be very uncomfortable for you.

So what does moving beyond your comfort zone really mean?

I've been reflecting on that, and it made me curious to find out the definition of comfort:

• A state of physical ease and freedom from pain or constraint

• The easing or alleviation of a person's feelings of grief or distress; consolation, solace

• A state of feeling physically relaxed and free from pain, or having a pleasant life with enough money and good living conditions

So what happens when you leave your comfort zone?

Does it mean the opposite?

Not feeling relaxed?

Leaving good living conditions?

I then looked for the definition of "comfort zone":

• A behavioral state where a person operates within an anxiety-neutral condition using a limited set of behaviors to deliver a steady performance

• A psychological state where a person feels familiar, at ease, and in control of their environment

• The set of routines, behaviors, and situations where a person feels secure and experiences minimal stress or anxiety

Basically, it means anxiety-neutral or minimal stress.

But if we're honest, most people operating within their comfort zone (what is familiar to them) still experience anxiety and stress, and many aren't happy or fulfilled with their lives.

That calling in your heart makes you feel unease and anxious.

I have a friend who calls the comfort zone a "bathtub full of shit."

She says it's warm and cozy, but it's still shit.

And she's right - we stay in situations that don't serve us just because they're familiar.

We mistake familiarity for safety.

This made me realize that the "comfort zone" isn't about actual comfort but about familiar stress patterns.

The reality is that any situation triggering stress for one person might feel completely natural to another.

The comfort zone relates to how your nervous system is balanced and what things you're used to.

Take public speaking - some people freeze up at the thought of it, while others light up on stage. This shows us that the trigger isn't the activity itself but our unique perception of it.

Our response to stress is based on previous experiences and our perceptions about life.

So to move beyond or expand your comfort zone and find success, happiness, and fulfillment, you need to elevate your perspectives about life.

You need to learn to balance your nervous system consciously and not let it stay in reaction mode - you need to learn to respond to life.

It means freeing yourself from old operating patterns.

When you understand how your nervous system works, the unknown shifts from scary to exciting.

You're no longer stuck in situations just because they feel familiar.

Think of it like teaching your body a new language. Instead of automatically flagging change as danger, you show your system that growth is safe.

You build new neural pathways that say "different doesn't mean dangerous."

The key is this: you're not forcing yourself to be uncomfortable; you are turning the uncomfortable into comfortable.

You're expanding your capacity to feel safe in new situations.

Your body learns that it can handle change, and your mind stops creating stories about why you should stay small.

This understanding creates true freedom - the ability to choose based on what lights you up, not what feels safe because it's familiar.

You break free from the "known but unfulfilling" trap and step into possibilities that actually excite you.

Do you want to know how to move beyond your comfort zone?

Start by changing how you breathe.

Practice belly breathing all day, every day - it sends a different message to your brain and breaks the cycle of fight or flight.

If you feel mostly disengaged, with low energy and procrastinating, then breathe into your belly and then into your chest.

You need this sympathetic activation in a healthy way.

Move, go for walks, move with intention, feel your feet when you walk and dream. Dream big. As you dream and imagine what you want, breathe in your belly. Let that vision be safe.

Little by little, you expand your ability to deal with stress, learn how to balance your nervous system, free yourself from past patterns, and step into your new world that you are consciously creating.

This is how you move outside your comfort zone and turn your path to success and fulfilling life and business into something fun and joyful.

That's why our embodiment classes are so important to the process of building a sacred business - there are many things we can't do with the mind alone, and regulating our nervous system is one of them.

If you have a vision, if you have a business ready for more, and you're not making much progress, Sacred Growth Club could be what you're looking for.

Not only do we work on business growth and marketing strategy, but we also address your nervous system regulation with twice-weekly embodiment classes.

You are not your mind, you are not your body, but you need both playing together to create space to manifest your soul's desires.

And if you have a calling for something but can't follow through, it means it's unfamiliar to you - it's outside your comfort zone.

To achieve your goals, you need to expand what your system can handle. This is the key to bridging the gap between your dreams and your reality.

With Love,

Carolina

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Happenings

Sacred Business Network

We're very excited about the new direction the Sacred Business Network is taking!

We've moved the Network to Substack since we love the platform and have found wonderful ways to connect with inspiring people from diverse backgrounds.

If you're looking to step outside your comfort zone, this could be your opportunity to start building a business from your heart or expand your existing one.

If this idea creates resistance in you, but deep inside you know you need to do things differently, take a deep breath into your belly. Let the resistance be there - it's okay. And take action, even if it's a small one like joining this Network and then show up for the next call.

The best part? It doesn't require a huge investment. In fact, we've designed it specifically so money won't be the reason you can't participate.

We meet once a month on Zoom for a one-hour call where entrepreneurs from all over the world, at different stages of their businesses, exchange experiences.

We provide thoughtful prompts to inspire reflection and integration.

This could be perfect for you if:

• You're not sure where to start

• You have an established business but want new connections

• You're seeking fresh conversations and perspectives

Remember, this isn't about coaching—it's about connection, reflection, and expansion.

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Here is what I want to share this week …

Sacred Business Stories 01:

Toku McCree

Live on Substack this Friday at Noon Eastern

Join us for an honest conversation with Toku McCree about building a business that aligns with your deepest truth. Toku blends ancient wisdom with modern psychology to help people unlock their potential, and he'll share how he's built a thriving coaching practice while staying true to his path.

With This Brand New Substack Live Series, we'll explore:

• The essence of his work and business model

• Key turning points that shaped his unique approach

• How he navigates fear and resistance in business growth

• His secrets for authentic connection and consistent sharing

• How to connect with his work

If you've wondered how to build a business that supports your lifestyle while staying connected to your purpose, this conversation is for you.

Join us at:

Polyvagal Theory

Learning to regulate your nervous system and putting these practices into your daily life is one of the best gifts you can give yourself. This knowledge completely changes how you respond to life's challenges.

I want to share a simple explanation of the Polyvagal theory with you. It's straightforward and incredibly helpful for understanding which state your nervous system is in. This awareness helps you recognize if you're having an appropriate response to a situation or if you're just reacting automatically from old patterns.

I found this short, easy-to-follow video about the polyvagal theory that explains everything clearly.

There are simple tools you can use every day to shift between these nervous system states. When you understand and practice these tools, you'll be able to make choices based on what truly matters to you, instead of reacting from fear or an automatic need to protect yourself.

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Who We Are Celebrating

Maria Gehrke

Maria has an incredible gift. Through creative visualization and art, she translates energy into beautiful visual expressions.

Can you imagine having a unique image that captures your essence? That's exactly what Maria creates.

The more we understand ourselves as energy beings, the more we appreciate unique things. We begin choosing experiences and items based on how they resonate with our own vibration.

I want to celebrate Maria for stepping forward with her gift and sharing it with the world. In fact, she’ll be sharing it in the form of a workshop she will be delivering for network members this coming March!

If you're looking for something creative and unique - whether as a gift for someone special or for yourself - this is a beautiful way to let your environment reflect your unique essence. Every piece Maria creates carries powerful energy that's completely personal to you.

Subscribe to her Substack here.

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What’s next?

Carolina and I are ready to support you in creating a business that aligns with your heart's calling. Here's how we can help:

1. Discover Your Sacred Business Alignment (Free): Take the Harmony Map Assessment and read our Sacred Business Manifesto to understand where you are on your path and how to move forward with clarity and confidence. Perfect for entrepreneurs wanting to understand how everything in their business connects.

2. Read the Sacred Business Manifesto (Free): Learn the core principles of building a Sacred Business through our founding story and framework. See how we transformed our approach to business by understanding that everything is connected.

3. Sacred Business Network: Connect with heart-centered entrepreneurs who understand that success comes from alignment. Monthly connection circles, community workshops, and ongoing support through our private community space. Get the encouragement and collaboration you need to grow.

4. Join Our Next Implementation Challenges: Action-focused programs like the Sacred Business Planning Rituals Challenge and Substack Growth Challenge help you create real momentum in specific areas of your business. Free for Club members, discounted for Network members. Be sure you are subscribed to be notified when the next one is offered live.

5. Sacred Growth Club: A complete support system with weekly embodiment classes, live coaching calls, writing circles, and expert workshops. Designed for entrepreneurs ready to build sustainable success through proven practices while staying connected to their purpose. Includes full access to the Network and all challenges.

6. Be The Flow Coaching (1:1): Personal guidance combining strategic business planning with energy alignment work. Weekly coaching sessions plus full access to Sacred Growth Club benefits. Ideal for entrepreneurs seeking deep transformation and sustainable growth in their business.

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