Today, I want to dive into a topic that many of us struggle with: the art of giving ourselves permission to move at a pace that aligns with our innermost needs. It’s a journey towards letting go of judgement and the pressure we often place upon ourselves. Life is not a race, but a beautiful tapestry of experiences and it is crucial to honour every thread of our being.
The slowest part of us
We are multifaceted beings, each with our unique strengths, quirks, and vulnerabilities. Just as a symphony is composed of various instruments, our lives and our histories are composed of different parts. Some parts of us move swiftly, always striving for progress, while other parts might be more hesitant, needing more time to process and adapt. It’s important to remember that progress doesn’t always mean speed; it means growth, transformation, and understanding. Patience. Self-compassion.
Think of yourself as a team of horses pulling a carriage. Some horses might be ready to charge ahead, while others require more coaxing and care. Imagine if you forced all of them to move at the same pace; it would create chaos and unrest. Similarly, embracing your own pace means acknowledging and respecting the varying speeds at which your different parts want to journey.
Letting go of judgement
One of the greatest barriers to moving at our own pace is the harsh judgment we often subject ourselves to. we live in a world that glorifies constant achievement and immediate results, making it easy to feel inadequate if we don’t match this rhythm. However, this mindset can be detrimental to our mental and emotional well-being.
Remember, judgment doesn’t lead to growth; it only fosters self-doubt and anxiety. The path to self-discovery and growth is a process, and every step, no matter how small, is an achievement.
Celebrate your progress and honour your challenges without comparing yourself to others. Your journey is yours. It is unique and comparing it to someone else’s is like comparing apples and oranges – both are delicious, but they are fundamentally different.
Releasing pressure
The pressure we put on ourselves often comes from external sources – societal expectations, the need for validation, or fear of missing out. It’s time to release this unnecessary burden and cultivate self-compassion. Imagine if you approached yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you extend to your closest friends. When you let go of the pressure to constantly perform, you create space for authenticity and growth.
Embrace the concept of “productive rest”. Just like a well-tended garden needs time to rejuvenate, your mind, body and soul also require moments of stillness. These moments are not wasted; they are an essential part of the process. Give yourself permission to take breaks without guilt and allow your slower parts to catch up.