Are You Expanding or Contracting?
Life is a fascinating dance, isn't it?
Each breath we take marks a moment of profound transformation within our bodies. Take a breath, and your lungs swell with oxygen. Upon exhaling, we release carbon dioxide, and our lungs gracefully contract, preparing for the next breath cycle.
Now, think about your heart. With each beat, it clenches and sends a surge of blood into your body's highways, the arteries. It even takes a moment to stretch and let more blood in, like a courteous host at a bustling party.
But here's the kicker: life is all about change; no matter how much we wish it weren't, permanence is an illusion. As they say, "We are constantly in vibrational motion." This dance of expansion and contraction isn't just within us; it's happening in our businesses, our relationships, and every area of our lives.
At any given moment, we are either expanding and widening our awareness or we are contracting and limiting our own points of view.
These words remind us that our growth is not linear; it is a dance between expansion and contraction. It's a choice we make.
Let me tell you about a dream I had not too long ago. In it, my listening grew larger and larger like I was Alice, having fallen down the rabbit hole. My newfound capacity to listen reached out further and further, leaving me awakened with a profound desire to live a larger, more expansive life. This sensation was initially disconcerting as I grappled with the idea of venturing further into the unknown.
Over the past couple of years, Craig and I have been considering moving to a quieter, more remote place. As the frenetic pace of Austin and the chaos of the world intensify, both Craig and I find ourselves increasingly drawn to the power of simplicity, tranquility, and the raw beauty of nature.
Yet, unwittingly, I had begun to contract my listening when it came to envisioning our future. The challenge lay in my longing to remain close to our beloved family and friends while continuously nurturing and growing our business. It's a conundrum we're working through. Although the idea of embracing a simpler, rural lifestyle may appear appealing, I have reservations about whether it would quell the inner apprehension I feel about the state of the world. It's a stark reminder that change is primarily an internal journey and not solely dependent on where we are on the map.
And it made me wonder...
How much does the expansiveness of our listening correlate with the impact we can make? When we truly listen, not only do we empower those around us, but we also nourish our potential for contribution.
When we actively listen and connect with others on a deeper level, we gain fresh perspectives and insights. Moreover, when we empower those around us, they, in turn, empower us. They share their ideas and expertise, enhancing our potential for contribution.
So, the expansiveness of our listening isn't just about being a good partner, friend, or co-worker. It's a catalyst for creating a more supportive and empowered environment that benefits everyone involved. It fuels personal growth, enriches our contributions to society, and helps us build stronger, more meaningful connections. It's a win-win for all.
With that thought, I came to the conclusion that we can continue expanding our horizons and sharing our unique gifts with our family, friends, and in our business, wherever we choose to live. Geographical location does not dictate our lives like it used to. Moving to a slower-paced environment doesn't mean we have to slow down our personal and professional growth.
I would like to end this blog with a question for you: Where in your life are you expanding or contracting?
Thank you for joining in on this conversation. We've got quite the playground here for exploration and growth, and I'm excited to see where it leads us.
All my best,
Fundamental of the Week #20: APPRECIATE AND ACKNOWLEDGE
Regularly let people know you appreciate their qualities. Being acknowledged for a task well done is important; being acknowledged for a character quality is lasting.
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