the cycle

we live in a cycle of expansion and contraction

in expansion we flow 

with hearts open to connect

ready to face the unknown

fearless of what may lie ahead

but eventually contraction sets in

the walls around us tighten

the currents push us scraping against the rim

cracking each bone in our body

doubting ourselves and the intentions of those around us

when we notice this changing tide

it’s tempting to rush back to what feels good

and distract ourselves from the pain of this existential angst 

but contraction can be beautiful

we need only to do three things

to breathe

to smile

and to listen

to give contraction the space it deserves

to breathe

to smile

and to listen