ask dr. read      Idaho Statesman columns      new articles      biography      formal resume      philosophy      services offered      contact dr. read      psychology links      other links      forms      pictures		Life Alternates Between Expansions and Contractions by James M. Read, Ph.D. An expansion occurs when you feel like it's safe to loosen your grip. It's OK to let go a bit. Explore. Take some risks. Push out your safe zone a little. Expand the envelope. A contraction is occurring when you are holding on for dear life just to get through the day, the hour, or even the next minute! Life, for most of us, has a way of alternating between these two. Maybe not quite that dramatically, but at least with gentle expansions and contractions taking turns with more harmonious periods. That seems to be the natural rhythm. Pulsations of expansion or contraction, punctuated with more peaceful times inbetween where neither is occurring. Maybe that's the natural "melody" of life. That's the way psychologist Michael Mahoney talks about it. He encourages people to explore new ideas and new ways in times of expansion. He also encourages us not to get too upset during times of contraction. He suggests we tolerate confusion, disorder, and contraction and recognize it as the natural way we progress to the next higher level of organization. Watch a two year old. She explores boldly, but periodically runs back to Mom or Dad for reassurance. He seeks independence and ventures out into new territory, but often looks back, or comes back to keep in touch with the security of the familiar. Expansions and contractions, Mahoney would say. He also encourages us not to be afraid of our feelings. Emotions are not dangerous. But when our world is changing, or we are changing, distress is a natural and unavoidable consequence. It's a normal part of the DISorganization that occurs before REorganization into a new pattern. A new and higher level of organization. So, as we pause on the threshold of a new year, while many are making new year's resolutions, perhaps it's a good time to consider the rhythm and direction of your life. Is 1994 going to dawn during a contraction or an expansion? Or a period of relative harmony in which neither is occurring? If you are anxious and stressed and feeling "contracted" try to relax and recognize that these difficult periods are necessary to growth and are part of the natural cycle. Harmony and expansion and growth will come. Especially if you can find the courage to loosen your grip a little. James M. Read, Ph.D. Clinical Psychologist  Originally published in The Idaho Stateman newspaper (Boise, Idaho) December 30, 1993 For more information, or to contact the author (that's me!), write to James M. Read, Ph.D., jread@jread.com