Emilys Rain Dance

Many beautiful gifts come along in such seemingly simple, ordinary moments. And it's often the youngest among us who have something extraordinary to share. During a holiday gathering with my family several years ago, we were gathered outside on the porch one evening when it unexpectedly began to rain. Instantly, all the adults backed up against the walls of the house, seeking shelter underneath the roof.

My four-year-old niece, however, had other ideas.
Without a moment's hesitation, Emily spread her arms wide open and lifted her face toward the sky. Smiling and laughing, she skipped barefoot around the porch, singing and shouting with glee, "It's raining! It's raining! It's raining!" For Emily, the rain was cause for sweet celebration, a time to relish her connection with the natural wonders of life. She understood there was nothing to fear. She had no inclination to hide.

Emily's joyful dance was a striking contrast with the adults huddled up against the walls diligently avoiding contact with the raindrops falling from the sky.
Witnessing Emily's exuberance, I wondered why I was ducking for cover. What was I hiding from? What was it that I feared? What shoulds and supposed to's were ruling my behavior, inhibiting my own spontaneous play? It was clear that Emily was deeply connected to something much bigger than whatever it was that was holding me back. She openly expressed who she was and how she felt. Joined with the vibrant energies of life, she embodied freedom, passion and joy.
I've thought of this night many times over the years, particularly when I find that I'm holding myself back rather than allowing what is natural and loving to be felt and celebrated and shared.

Emily's rain dance invited me to lift my face to the sky, to welcome the nourishment raining down all around, to splash around in the puddles and wiggle my toes in the mud.
Emily's exuberant rain dance reminded me to play. To find happiness wherever I am. To reach out with love to all that is. To celebrate the magic and beauty of life with unbridled passion and joy.

Worldwide Copyright © 2006 JoAnne Dodgson.

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By: JoAnne Dodgson