Expansion

Sometimes, in fact I think most times, right before magnificent expansion comes what feels like the most uncomfortable contraction. During this pressing in, we may feel like we are going backward. Like all of our hard work and dedication to growth and evolution was in vain. What once was exhilarating forward momentum all of the sudden feels like a screeching halt followed closely by a free fall into the dark abyss of night (cue the dramatic music in a minor chord).

 However, if you stop to pause… if you really listen and just observe rather than react… you will notice that you are actually still expanding. It's not a free-fall backward, its the Universe ripping off the last layers of restriction so that expansion is not only possible, but certain. In the very milliseconds before your dreams come true, you will have to shed the things that keep them from coming true. It's only painful if we perceive it as a set back rather than the rocket-fuel-fire we need to launch into space.

 In our recent move to Nashville and subsequent delays with the closure of our home, I have been mostly graceful. But certainly not perfect. Earlier this week I REALLY felt that old familiar squeeze, and all of the old stories about my worth and enoughness came roaring into view. Thankfully I have a partner who does NOT react to my drama with more drama, and after we talked it out I realized exactly where I was… in the liminal space between what was and what will be. That tiny blip of time when God yanks the old armor off so that I don't have to carry it's heavy burden into new spaces. The next day brought new ideas and creative solutions, and my life is once again feeling aligned and true and EXPANSIVE. 

 The painting above is one of my favorites in the Transitions series, and reflects what it feels like to step out of the darkness and into the sun.