Under Pressure - How Do You Feel It?
Wednesday, August 6, 2008 at 10:31PM 
In the last post, I began to describe how the example of the mental experience of pressure (as in, "I have so much to do and not enough time!", or "I can't see beyond all of this stuff in front of me to get to what's really important!", or "I feel completely overwhelmed as to be paralyzed!") translates into a literal physical experience of pressure.
By necessity and by choice, many things demand our attention.
So, aside from the changes that we can make to organize, deter, declutter and otherwise tame our external world so as to get a sense of peace, how can we begin to affect our experience of pressure...thereby allowing us to feel a sense of freedom, centeredness, and space in the midst of a very hectic world?
First of all, let me ask you to picture yourself, if you are not in this place in the moment, experiencing a situation in which you could describe yourself as feeling pressure.
Maybe it's one particular circumstance, or a recurring one, perhaps a particular time of day-- or maybe it's just work, in general. Or if you happen to be feeling "pressure" right now... what are you physically feeling? Can you notice your breathing (or lack thereof?) Where, specifically, in your body can you pinpoint feelings of pressure? And, what is your posture like?
When you think about "all the things you have to get done", what do you notice happening in your body?
Is it energetic enthusiasm? Calm clarity? A slight sense of panic with increased heart rate? Chest tightness? Maybe a sudden drop in energy and a deadening feeling. Try to be very specific as you describe to yourself (or in the comments, if you like) what you are feeling. Jot down a note to yourself, if you can remember, to be aware of those places in the day where your mood drops. Bringing these automatic responses into the light of consciousness is the beginning of being able to make long-lasting change.
Tune in again tomorrow for ways to change your experience of pressure...
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Reader Comments (9)
Ya know it's interesting... the times I experience the most pressure are the times when I'm not seeing results from my efforts - or rather - I'm not seeing the results I wanted to see.
I absolutely THRIVE on being busy. The more I have to do, the better I feel, and the more organized I am. When I don't have much to do, I fall into lethargy. Now, that is not to say that I don't take breaks - I definitely do.
Anyway, when I do experience the feeling of pressure, it's almost like I'm being squeezed inside. My whole body tightens and I just ache.
Ah, so would you say that you feel that hitch in your flow when what you are expecting to see and what you think you are actually seeing are at odds? It's not the amount of stuff coming into to your experience to interact with that causes you distress, but the results (or lack thereof) that you are expecting.
Pressure amid multi-tasking sometimes causes a total melt down. I am responsible for attracting our customers to our business, as well as most of the household chores, as well as everyting that has to do with paper and a business...oh yes, I also own a rental property, live on a large yard, have a puppy (as in poopie, walks and training....). So , I have lots of blessings that must be juggled, nurtured and taken care of everyday! I have a partner that prods me out of lethargy (trips to the local coffee cafe help!) and stirs me into action from my procrastination. To do lists help- I love to check off each "to do".
Wow, Joyce, you do have a lot going on at any given moment. So, when you say, "melt-down', what does that feel like, or look like?
I'm like Jenn. I actually just realised during a session with Lisa H that FOR ME, being busy IS my rhythm.
Since I was a child, I've had a million things going on.
BUT Gina, I do know when I'm start feeling stressed because I get pain in my neck and shoulders, and I start overlooking really obvious things (for me) :)
Ah yes, this is one of the symptoms that I intend to address tomorrow. Thank you for commenting!
I definitely thrive on staying busy. I get the pressure feeling when I don't get as much accomplished in a day that I think I "should." As Joyce says, I also keep a to-do list and check it off. However, I started using a weekly to-do list instead a daily to-do list. It has helped tremendously because if I need to change what I need to do today I can think, "Well, I've still got the rest of the week." It also saves time to not have to rewrite the list over each day. My pressure sensation is usually in the form of headaches as my migraines tend to kick in when I feel stressed. Taking short breaks through the day has helped me with this. Thanks for this series of articles. It is definitely timely for me.
My pressure body symptoms tend to shift around. They used to show up in my back, but when I recognized that's what they were about, they don't show up there nearly as much now. The most recent place of physical pressure manifestation is in my stomach/gut area. When I feel under pressure, it doesn't function as well and when I start feeling discomfort or pain there, that is a signal to me to check in with what's going on!
See, Lisa.. awareness of the connection is the beginning of healing. I hope to get to writing about back symptoms today or tomorrow.. just under so much pressure right now! LOL!