Question:
I need a clarification on the concepts of “expansion” and “contraction” of the soul. I do not understand the concept that the soul is constantly in movement, and that it is either moving towards expansion or towards contraction. I would be happy to know how I can personally relate to these powers of the soul.Answer:
Expansion is when the soul is moving towards an expansive [extroverted] mode, whereas contraction is when the soul is contracting inward [introverted]. Below is a list of actual examples of expansion and contraction, but one should be aware that sometimes what seems like expansion can actually be a contradiction of the soul, and vice versa. For example, when one lives more inwardly, this can be understood superficially as “contraction”, but in actuality, it is an expansion of the soul, because it enables the soul to enter a vast, expansive inner world, which is far deeper and wider than the world found on the outside.
Examples of “expansion” of the soul - Socializing with others; the external side of life; a need to experience external noise or inner noise [i.e. dramatic emotions or turbulent thoughts]; increased chatter; speaking; extending outward the hands and feet; action; being awake; focused thoughts; looking; a need to hear loud music; hearing; joy; thinking; involvement in many different activities; using the elements of water and wind in the soul; eating a lot; moving quickly; conceit; anger; explosions; smiling at others.
Examples of “contraction” of the soul: Being alone with oneself; living inwardly; a need for external and internal quiet; talking minimally; silence; contracted body language; serenity; sleep; calm thoughts; closing the eyes; calm music; a need for calmness; sadness; silencing the thoughts; involvement with minimal action; using the elements of fire and earth in the soul; eating minimally or fasting; laziness; humility; patience; seriousness.
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