Expansion/Contraction

 Gratitude is the food of expansion. Fear is the fodder of contraction. What I consume is entirely up to me.

When I find myself feeling any sadness, I need to ask myself what I’m afraid of in that moment. When I’m in a moment of anger, the same question applies. What is setting me off? Why? Did I have expectations of a specific result? Did someone not follow my script? If I can pare the negative feelings down to their core, what is the underlying issue? Is that something I can work with, or do I find that I need to find a way to simply let it be? I am in a constricted state, which means more effort on my part to recognize what is going on within myself.

Conversely, when I’m feeling a sense of all being well, I am in a state of gratitude and openness. I am in acceptance and peace with what is. I can breathe a little deeper, relax more fully, and truly be in the moment. Expansion allows. It is my growth medium. It’s where I want to live.

Life is simply going to unfold in it’s own random way. Some experiences will be challenging, and will bring on a state of contraction. That’s as it should be, I think. Sometimes life demands that we go within for a bit. If, in those times, I can still find those elements of my life which bring comfort, I am healing well. If not, I get the feeling of being stuck in a downward spiral. Again, I have choice.

Today I’m grateful for gratitude. I’m grateful to be in my cozy home, I’m thankful for dear friends, I get to laugh at my young cat’s fevered play, and I am aware that all my needs are met. Gratitude comes easily today.