A theme I'm noticing in my life lately is the idea of contraction and expansion.
One of my somatic mentors taught me this concept: sometimes we're meant to contract (sit tight, feel tension, linger in the uncertainty, or find stillness) and other times we're meant to expand (take up bigger spaces, grow, reach, stretch, shine).
Much like the lungs contract and expand each minute, much like how the seasons contract (fall, winter) and expand (spring, summer): so must we.
I've thought of this concept in times when my heart really wants to expand but the cues are there that this is a time for contraction: emails are falling on deaf ears, tumbleweeds blow across my calendar, and I feel the creeping frustration of trying to force a square peg into a round hole.
The other is just as frustrating: have you ever had a jam-packed social calendar when your heart calls for solitude? That feeling of having to push to a deadline when your heart's just not in it anymore. Stepping onto the stage to razzle dazzle but your energy falls flat.
It's not always up to us, sometimes our personal orientation doesn't align with what our environments ask of us.
It's important in times like these to remember that it's not a personal failing, it's simply a misalignment.
The universe invites you to expand (turn on the charm on that first date) but you just want to contract (stay home and journal)? Just because you're in a phase of contraction when the universe expects expansion, doesn't mean you're not good enough. Doesn't mean you're not worthy of love and success and all of the good things.
And the same is true for the other direction as well: you're ready to expand into your next chapter (getting the Big Chop, haters be damned) and the people around you aren't ready for it yet (contraction) doesn't make your expansion any less meaningful.
All things must contract and expand, there's a natural rhythm to it:
Can you trust your own process?
Can you believe that you are where you need to be right now?
If the outcome you wanted was guaranteed, how long would you be willing to wait for it?
In the Northern Hemisphere, we just had the Autumn Equinox. And while the weather hasn't changed much, nature is taking her sweet time to transition into her period of contraction.
Though we live in a society that hyper-fixates on expansion (bottom line growth! more and more followers!! a bigger house!!! a better job!!!), think of all the wonderful things the fall and winter bring us:
Cozy nights under fleece blankets
Mind-blowing sunsets
Pumpkin cake with cream cheese frosting
The crunch of leaves underfoot as that crisp fall air blows
The twinkle of holiday lights everywhere
Deep bellows of marching bands clacking down the streets during Mardi Gras
Every thing must have its season: including you. Throughout it all, know that you are inherently worthy and that will never change.
Self worth is like energy: it can neither be created nor destroyed.
Regardless of whether you're sparkling on a stage, acing that test, learning a new language or taking extra naps; having long, luxurious conversations with your best friend; or daydreaming out the window as the leaves fall: you are worthy as you are. In this moment.
If you want to explore this topic, use the questions above like a journal prompt. Write, draw, or sing your answers.
Looking for a somatic practice? Here's a 20 minute movement video on rest vs. energy output.
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