The Only Source of Pressure is Us.
A perfect spot for suntanning on top of the mountain in Austria.
I've always loved the winter season, with its special charm of snow and crisp air. In fact, I might be among the few who actually prefer winter over summer, enjoying all the activities it offers, especially skiing.
Or, at least, I thought it was "especially skiing" until this week when I experienced it completely differently for the first time.
A Shift in Approach: Moving Beyond Rushing Through Slopes
Despite skiing since the age of two, this week marked a significant shift in my approach to the activity, leading to some new ways of spending time on the mountains.
Previously, I would rush through the slopes, cherishing the thrill and speed on the white mountains under the most beautiful sun rays. I never understood those who came for skiing and chilled more than they actually skied.
I used to approach skiing with a mindset focused on maximizing every moment, doing as many rounds in a day as I could possibly fit, driven by the belief that our time on the slopes is limited, so we better use it well!! But this time, something has changed.
Arriving at the ski vacation, I was exhausted from work, craving both physical movement and mental relaxation. I started skiing the same day, but despite engaging in an activity I love, a certain kind of pressure lingered.
Listening to Inner Needs: Relaxation Over “Obligations”
My inner needs were calling for leisurely moments—relaxing, soaking up the sun, breathing in the crisp air, staring at the mountains (ahhhh, just staring and getting almost hypnotized by the view is my favorite thing of ALLLLLL), reveling in their beauty, and simply appreciating the moment. I was drawn to relax on top of the mountain, wanting to just sit or even take a nap there.
But I caught my own thoughts, "Hey, the ski pass is 60 euros a day, are you really going to stop now and do sun tanning in stead of skiing? And not to mention, you are only here for a few days, would you really skip skiing? The next time you are going to ski again is probably in a year." I started imagining myself going back home and feeling sorry because I didn't ski AS MUCH as I could. The same moment I received my friend’s reminder to turn on Strava app the track where was I moving, how fast or slow did I go, and what was the daily route.
My OWN social pressure was palpable, but my AHA moment happened once I finally surrendered to the call of my body for relaxation.
Yet again, I was reminded
It is not sufficient to only change the location and disconnect from a daily routine to reconnect with oneself. Yes, it helps, but the real "click" happens when you fully follow the signs your body is sending you. No compromises.
Once I surrendered to the call of my body and embraced my own desires, finally, a sense of relaxation enveloped me. Freed from the mental burden of obligations and expectations, I could again connect and hear myself; I could truly breathe. Most importantly, when a shift in mindset took place, that's when my vibe elevated and my vacation started.
Acknowledging the Contrast
So, my realisation I wanted to share here is that social pressure only comes from us noticing there is a kind of contrast between "what is expected" in the current moment or situation and what we truly want. If we are fighting against our own desires, this is where the "pressure" comes in. If you surrender, it takes you places.
As Abraham Hicks wonderfully put it in words: "What others are doing around you seems very important when you have not found your own steadiness. You want to say to them, 'Don't rock my boat! If you rock my boat, I can't be steady.' But the truth of it is, you're the only boat-rocker in your world. Only you can rock your boat."
For all of you wanting to do something for yourself and make a twist in any activity you take on, do yourself a favor….. :)
Until our next read,
Wishing you the most beautiful
Purple Aura
xx
Maria
.P.s. If you like the read, please share with whomever you think can benefit from it! Thank you :)
