Many years ago, I had an important dream. In it, I was walking on a tightrope, wearing a business suit, carrying a briefcase, and wearing high heels.
As the dream unfolds, I’m watching myself from an enlightened observer’s viewpoint; I’m cautiously making my way along the tightrope, every muscle tensed. My concentration is like a laser beam, every step carefully placed. Falling would bring certain death. There is no net.
At least not one that I can see. But just beneath the tightrope, out of my view, for as far as the eye can see, are angel wings. The wings are so close they almost brush up against the tightrope. But I’m so focused on not falling, I cannot see them. I’m blinded by my fear of falling.
Then my own observer voice in the dream whispers, "Look how hard she’s working to keep from falling. What a pity she doesn’t know she’s safe. Someone should tell her."
Then I wake up and realize the dream’s message:
"No matter how complicated and difficult the dance on the tightrope may seem, remember, Love is always present. There is nothing to fear. You cannot fall. Rest in this Love."
This message is ancient, the basis of religions and theme of the great works of art. But the power of this dream was in being shown that the "I", I call "me", is not separate from this Love. This great, universal Love is not only always present, it’s who we are. It’s who I am. It’s who you are.
I had an artist friend make a drawing of the dream so I could hold on to the image. I still keep it in my bedroom where I see it every day. It’s such a great reminder of this one eternal truth: Love Is.
How easily this awareness gets lost as we take up the trek on the tightrope! We work so hard to keep from falling, we fail to see the truths right in front of us.
Here’s a little something to gnosh on:
What if we’re really angels who’ve taken on physical bodies and wear funny costumes to hide our wings so no one will know who we are? And what if the density of our bodies and the weight of our costumes has made us forget we have these wings and an indwelling spirit whose nature is to soar?
Maybe we’ve forgotten we came here to let these wings lift our spirits and dance our lives. And maybe, all we need is just a little nudge to remind us to remove the costumes, unfold our wings and go for it.
What about you? What if you knew you could not fall? What dance would you be dancing right now in your life? And what are you waiting for?
Maybe you’re waiting for your dance to show up and make itself known. But what if the dance is already here waiting for you to step up to it? What if you, saying "yes" to the dance of your life, is the very spark that inspires others to take up their dance?
What if we laid down the weapons of war and put on our dancing shoes instead? That might sound silly or far fetched. I’m just saying…what if? Who’s in charge of whether you dance or wage war in your own life? Think about that the next time you find yourself trying hard not to fall. What if you just danced instead?
Amidst the struggle and the turmoil of these times, let us not forget the wings hidden in the uniforms we wear. Make time to unfold them and dance for your life. There will always be trains to catch, clocks and calendars and cell phones to pull us back to the tightrope. But please, don’t miss the dance that’s waiting for you.
Dance it, before your wings shrivel up and there’s nothing left to dance for.
About dr.judith.rich
Dr. Judith Rich is a well known teacher in the field of transformation and consciousness. For over thirty years, her work has focused on the awakening of one’s dormant inner resources, empowering profound personal and professional breakthroughs for individuals and organizations throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and South America.
Judith received her Ph.D. in 1995. Her doctoral dissertation, “The Future of Feminism: Where Do We Go From Here?” explored the modern role of feminism and the implications for its evolution and relevance for women in the 21st century. The Spirit of Woman© retreats is an outgrowth of her own personal journey into the realm of the Sacred Feminine. As a therapist, workshop facilitator and performance coach, Judith brings insight, passion, humor and sensitivity to empower women's awakening to the brilliance of who they are.
In 2004, Judith created The Spirit of Woman© empowerment retreats. Offered in various locations around the world, these retreat weekends bring together women of all ages and walks of life to share in a community of kindred spirits and celebrate their Divine Feminine nature.
For for further contact, Dr. Rich can be reached at judith@theraisinyears.com.
Thank you, O lady with angel wings.
I dance.
dear judith,
thanks a lot for this marvellous post.
wish u love, peace and happiness.
trisha
Linda,
To borrow a phrase Lee Ann Womack's wonderful song,
"I hope you [keep] dancing!
All the best,
Judith
Trisha,
Thank you so much!
Many blessings back to you,
Judith
Dear Judith,
such a sweet post to remind me of my wings and the dance I am called for to dance on this Earth during this lifespan! But even if i was not sure my wings would support me, or that I even have them, I still recognize that I am here for one dance only, and it is for sure on a tightrope. So I pretend I know nothing of wings, rope, and the downfall. The only thing I know is the dance and that the dance has to be as perfect as I am. Nothing other than that counts. Whatever happens after the dance is over, I don't care much. I know, that so far that I have the intention to dance and get it to who enjoys it, I am safe, I am not going to fall. And the wings… I don't believe in things I have not seen yet.
Thanks again for the post.
I love you so much.
Dear Rouzanna,
Thanks for your comment. Re: the "unseen" wings, have you ever felt the experience of your heart soaring? Have you ever felt your life "taking off"? Those are the wings I'm talking about.
I think we were meant to fly, however one interprets that. Someone sent me a video of a "flying suit". It shows people jumping off high mountain tops wearing only this suit that has web-like pieces of fabric that catch the wind and they soar like birds. So I'm not so sure about the wings thing, but I do believe we're meant to fly.
Blessings to you,
Judith