Expansion

        "To expand is to stretch, to move, to reach, to change form. Who thinks of expansion? Architects, builders, owners of businesses. Who thinks of expansion of the soul? Can it be contained? Obviously, for it is within.

        If we think of the spirit as a light beam, an energy source, then, like a flashlight, we can direct it forward. It can go in any direction or where there is no direction, only time and space. Many do this automatically and do not know they are expanding on a daily basis. And why isn't this known? Because the information and experiences gathered to consciousness would be overwhelming and distracting in earth life. The pieces of information would not appear to fit, but in truth, they are assimilated into the soul's awareness.

        We do not have to think of expansion as an otherworldly experience, though it can be that. The growth of wisdom begins as a seed and the planting and growth of it takes much care and many experiences. It is a growth that is unusually slow. Insight comes quickly in moments of understanding, but wisdom must not only be insight and understanding, but a mixture of patience and compassion. The soul never stops expanding, growing, and being. There may be blocks that interfere and impede growth, but at some point in time, the soul will follow its natural urge to 'be', to grow, to expand.

        Expansion comes in unseen measurements of growth. Those who are consciously searching for spiritual growth may feel they are not progressing at all. This is where patience becomes an important aspect that needs to be cultivated.

        We can expand our spiritual growth by expressions of love and caring, but this particular expression should not become a duty to fulfill. It should be a free flowing energy that is there to be expressed and cultivated when the need presents itself. There are so many opportunities each day when a little caring and understanding of self and others is beneficial. As we share self, we grow, and as we grow, we learn. Some are tested with hard lessons to learn and painful experiences. Surviving these experiences and learning their lessons can be growth spurts that tear down barriers that have prevented spiritual expansion."