We Do Recover

[MajestyJo]

Journey to the Heart

Take the Pressure Off

Sometimes we need a little pressure to get moving, but sometimes we put too much pressure on ourselves. I must do this, we think, and I must do it better and faster. We begin to believe that only by worry and fear and pressuring ourselves can we got the job done– whether the job is spiritual growth, making a particular decision, or accomplishing a task.

That kind of pressure doesn’t get the job done any better or faster. It simply makes you tense and fearful, and stops the creative juices. Too much pressure can take you out of the present moment. It can inhibit the life force, the flow of life within you. That kind of pressure can make so much noise in your mind that you can’t hear your heart.

We have responsibilities. We have time frames and commitments to others. And there are times when we need to get the job done. But the most pressing job can be done best when we’re relaxed. The most urgent decision can be made most clearly when we’re at peace. It doesn’t help to force ourselves to go faster, be somewhere else, or be someone we’re not. There are few things we need to do that can be enhanced by becoming tense, fearful, and worried. The more pressing the situation, the more pressing the need to be present for ourselves, and be present for each moment.

Let off some steam. Release your emotions. Clear the pathway to the heart. The answer will come. The job will get done.

Give yourself some relief. Take the pressure off.

We are not in a race. There is nothing that says once we start we have to finish this day, week, month, or even a year. I heard that some people wait that long to share Step 5 but I don't advice anyone to carry around all that 'stuff' for that long. A burden shared is a burden lightened.

I was also told that once to finish Step 3, you should immediately do a Step Four.

No one did a number on us more than we harmed ourselves. We didn't get this way over night so we can't expect to heal overnight.

Give yourself a break. As a long timer said, "I never heard that hockey took us anywhere. Not sure of his exact wording, he replaced our God with our hockey,Darth Vader, and/or football."

A good book, a walk in nature, and bubble bath, all while listening to music and then we might get in the mood to do a little step work or go to a meeting.