Summary

The author of the article advocates for applying pressure as a method to alleviate both physical and emotional pain, suggesting that setting goals, acting with intention, and embracing rest are key components to personal growth and healing.

Abstract

The article discusses the importance of applying pressure in various aspects of life to overcome pain, drawing from the author's personal experience of cutting their finger while cooking. The author extends the concept of physical pressure, such as using a band-aid and applying pressure to a wound, to emotional and mental well-being. They emphasize the value of having goals to provide daily purpose, the significance of performing actions with deliberate intention to enhance their meaning, and the necessity of rest in a productivity-driven society. The author posits that pressure, when managed correctly, can lead to personal growth and self-improvement, much like how coal transforms into a diamond under pressure.

Opinions

The author believes that applying pressure is a necessary step in dealing with physical injuries, as demonstrated by their own experience with a kitchen accident.
They suggest that the principle of applying pressure can be metaphorically extended to managing emotional and mental health challenges.
Setting achievable goals is seen as crucial for giving days meaning and fostering a sense of accomplishment.
Actions should be performed with intention to make them more meaningful and purposeful.
Rest is undervalued in a society that prioritizes productivity, yet it is essential for mental, physical, and spiritual recovery.
The author views pressure as a positive force that can drive change, accountability, and self-discovery, ultimately leading to personal transformation.
The author uses the metaphor of coal becoming a diamond under pressure to illustrate the potential for personal growth through adversity.

Want to Know How to Get Rid of Pain?

You have to apply pressure.

It dawned on me while I was cutting my morning avocado.

Pushing the knife in a bit too deep, I wound up cutting the tip of my right pinky. I immediately recognized the sting, and found myself disheveled on how I would finish cutting my avocado (my eggs had just finished cooking) while tending to my wounds.

See, I consider myself a “safe” chef. I don’t get too testy with my recipes, and always take my time when prepping in order to avoid incidents a grâce à an avocado.

In my momentary search for optimal action, my younger and more daring self reminded me of how I tended to bleeding before:

“Get a band-aid, and apply pressure to the wound.”

Safe to say, I enjoyed my morning eggs with a paper towel pressed around my pinky.

It’s Not Just For Physical Pain

After my breakfast I began thinking of how this simple rule has applied beyond minor kitchen accidents.

I -like everyone else- has been hurt beyond just physical, but emotionally and mentally too. I’ve dealt with severe depression, and constant suicide ideation (and before you ask, yes I’m better now).

So I began reflecting:

How has a form of pressure helped me get through my emotional depths?

How has pressure pushed me to keep going in times when I felt not enough?

Here’s some of the things I concluded.

It’s Good to have a Goal

Look, I know this might seem obvious to some of you, but for a 20 year old beginning to enter the “real world”? It’s something we need to hear.

It may seem simple, but it’s true. Our days have no meaning until we give it one. Waking up each morning and setting a small goal for yourself allows you to feel accomplished once finally completing it.

These don’t even have to be huge goals. It can be something as simple as reading outside for an hour, or taking time to appreciate your surroundings.

Most importantly, these goals have to be centered around you.

Do Everything With Intention

A majority of our days are spent on autopilot. We aren’t putting thought behind what we’re doing and why we’re doing it.

Adding intention to action makes the action more meaningful. It gives us a sense of purpose behind everything that we find ourselves doing

Intentions don’t have to be serious either. In fact, I like making them simple. I’ll set an intention of feeling at ease before going on a walk. Or the intention of feeling at ease before sipping a cold brew coffee.

Allow It to Rest

We live in a productivity-obsessed society. If we aren’t working, we feel like we’re not making the best use of our time.

However, rest is actually beneficial to the mind, body and soul. It is time spent asleep where our bodys and mind are recovering. It is time spent alone in which we get back in touch with ourselves. It is time spent in silence in which we hear our truest selves speak.

We are each dealing with “wounds”. After we put on our bandages, we don’t press any further.

Once completing your pressure action for the day. Allow yourself some rest. You’ve earned it

With a perception shift on pressure are we able to realize the benefits of its weight.

Viewing it with new perspective, we see that it is the backbone of change in our lives. Pressure is what holds us accountable, and allows us to find the purpose of our own lives.

Besides, coal doesn’t become a diamond until you give it some pressure. You’re a diamond too, it just takes time to get there.