Ways we contract & expand

On soft falling snowflakes & weeds in the dirt

Have you noticed how we contract and expand, like a mountain breathing?

Our lives are shifting tectonic plates—one moment, we’re a fiery volcano, bursting with energy, and the next, we’re soft, falling snowflakes, fleeting and unique.

Think about a weed stuck in the dirt. At first, it resists, but with a gentle tug, it loosens, and suddenly, you’re sitting on the grass, feeling the cool earth. Life surprises us like that. We resist, then let go, and find unexpected joy. We fill our lungs with dreams and love, and then exhale, letting go of bitterness and hate. When we laugh heartily like bulldozers or cry sandstorms, we are fully embracing our emotions, experiencing what it truly means to be human.

As lovers, we move in and out of each other’s lives, finding moments of togetherness and then pulling back into much needed sweet solitude.

It is in this push and pull that we become whole.

We are children of Gaia, waking up to first light, feeling the ground beneath our feet. Every step is both a return to earth and a journey to sky. We expand when we embrace new truths. We contract when we let go of what no longer fits, like snakes shedding old skin for new one.

In this tango with life, we’re finding our place, our rhythm, our breath. Every breath in takes in the world, its beauty and possibilities. Every breath out releases what we don’t need. We are waves rumbling & tumbling - spilling over each other, our lives a constant change. We have times of intense energy followed by quiet reflection, mirroring the world around us. In our relationships, this rhythm is clear. We draw close, then step back, balancing intimacy and independence.

Life challenges us with resistance, but with patience and a willingness to let go, we find new paths and opportunities. This contraction and expansion is how we grow.

Here are three resources that are excellent for learning about mindfulness, nature, and meditation:

1. The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle:
This book is a profound guide to living in the present moment and understanding the power of mindfulness. I love it for its simplicity and deep insights, making complex concepts accessible and life-changing.

2. Headspace App:
Headspace offers guided meditations and mindfulness practices for beginners and advanced practitioners alike. I appreciate its user-friendly interface and the way it integrates mindfulness into daily life with ease and clarity.

3. Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer:
This had been on my bucket list for sooo long. I finally read it and wished I’d read it sooner! This book beautifully blends indigenous wisdom, scientific knowledge, and the author’s personal experiences to explore the relationship between humans and the natural world. I adore how it deepens my appreciation for nature and inspires a sense of gratitude and interconnectedness.

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How will you expand your heart today?

I love you!

See you next Wednesday!

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Nature is brimming with poetry, if you just take the time to listen. This 9-page guide offers everything you need to dive into the beauty of nature with a poet’s eye. From choosing the right location to engaging all five senses, this guide will help you unlock the writing potential hidden in leaves, birdsongs, and morning dew. Bonus resources included for even more inspiration!

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