photo credit: ?rtofdreaming
The Dance
I have sent you my invitation, the note inscribed on the palm of my hand by the fire of living. Don’t jump up and shout, “Yes, this is what I want! Let’s do it!” Just stand up quietly and dance with me.
Show me how you follow your deepest desires, spiraling down into the ache within the ache. And I will show you how I reach inward and open outward to feel the kiss of the Mystery, sweet lips on my own, everyday.
Don’t tell me you want to hold the whole world in your heart. Show me how you turn away from making another wrong without abandoning yourself when you are hurt and afraid of being unloved.
Tell me a story of who you are, And see who I am in the stories I am living. And together we will remember that each of us always has a choice.
Don’t tell me how wonderful things will be … some day. Show me you can risk being completely at peace, truly OK with the way things are right now in this moment, and again in the next and the next and the next…
I have heard enough warrior stories of heroic daring. Tell me how you crumble when you hit the wall, the place you cannot go beyond by the strength of your own will. What carries you to the other side of that wall, to the fragile beauty of your own humanness?
And after we have shown each other how we have set and kept the clear, healthy boundaries that help us live side by side with each other, let us risk remembering that we never stop silently loving those we once loved out loud.
Take me to the places on the earth that teach you how to dance, the places where you can risk letting the world break your heart. And I will take you to the places where the earth beneath my feet and the stars overhead make my heart whole again and again.
Show me how you take care of business without letting business determine who you are. When the children are fed but still the voices within and around us shout that soul’s desires have too high a price, let us remind each other that it is never about the money.
Show me how you offer to your people and the world the stories and the songs you want our children’s children to remember, and I will show you how I struggle not to change the world, but to love it.
Sit beside me in long moments of shared solitude, knowing both our absolute aloneness and our undeniable belonging. Dance with me in the silence and in the sound of small daily words, holding neither against me at the end of the day.
And when the sound of all the declarations of our sincerest intentions has died away on the wind, dance with me in the infinite pause before the next great inhale of the breath that is breathing us all into being, not filling the emptiness from the outside or from within.
Don’t say, “Yes!” Just take my hand and dance with me.
~ Oriah Mountain Dreamer
Fabulous and inspiring!
.-= Lady Fi´s Last Fabulous Post ..Bottoms up! =-.
“Show me you can risk being completely at peace, truly OK with the way things are right now in this moment, and again in the next and the next and the next. . “—I LOVE THIS!!!
–and–
“Tell me how you crumble when you hit the wall, the place you cannot go beyond by the strength of your own will. What carries you to the other side of that wall, to the fragile beauty of your own humanness?”
Wow, this inspirational piece seems to add time into life…
Wish I could have more time for these things, but working today–
Happy Dad’s Day Lance!
.-= SnaggleTooth´s Last Fabulous Post ..Marsh =-.
” how I struggle not to change the world, but to love it” — yes, love the world. I wish there was more of that. Lovely words today, Lance.
.-= Lynn´s Last Fabulous Post ..Poppies, just plain delicious and lingering =-.
Beautiful words today Lance! I hope that you have a wonderful father’s day!
Awesome post…love love love it!!
.-= Trish @IamSucceeding´s Last Fabulous Post ..A Public Plea… =-.
Beautiful! Just beautiful. What a wonderful way to start the day. Thank you!
.-= Heather Villa´s Last Fabulous Post ..Weekend Reading: My fav’s from this week: 6÷18÷10 =-.
Lance,
You got me car dancing. And now, from time to time, I turn up the radio when a good song comes on and start swinging in my seat, my sons laughing and bumping up and down with me. You did that
Thanks for making me dance (at least in my car).
M
.-= Mindful Mimi´s Last Fabulous Post ..Sunday laugh =-.
Hey, Lance. I also like the line Michelle chose to highlight about enjoying this moment, and the next and the next. And this one strikes me, “Take me to the places on the earth that teach you how to dance, the places where you can risk letting the world break your heart.” That speaks deeply to me. We do have to risk to gain.
Happy Fathers’ Day! Hope you have a fabulous day and get spoiled as you should.
xo
.-= Jannie Funster´s Last Fabulous Post ..To Our Favorite Pool Guy On Fathers’ Day =-.
First of all, happy Daddy’s day, Lance
!
And second of all, my favorite part: “I have heard enough warrior stories of heroic daring. Tell me how you crumble when you hit the wall, the place you cannot go beyond by the strength of your own will. What carries you to the other side of that wall, to the fragile beauty of your own humanness?” .….
Yes I want to hear these stories too.….
Thank you for a lovely and elaborate Sunday thought!!!!
“Show me how you follow your deepest desires, spiraling down into the ache within the ache. And I will show you how I reach inward and open outward to feel the kiss of the Mystery, sweet lips on my own, everyday“
This is the one that grabbed ME!
Happy Dad’s Day!
.-= Jules — Big Girl Bombshell´s Last Fabulous Post ..Follow Your Heart Friday =-.
Hi Lance
I imagine this verse could be used in so many beautiful ways, but today of all days, I imagine this verse being shared by you to your children — standing atop a mountain, or perhaps walking along a rolling hill, (just as in the photo) sharing Fatherly wisdom to pass on to the next generation.
“And together we will remember that each of us always has a choice…”
Happy Father’s Day
.-= Evita´s Last Fabulous Post ..A Special Conversation With God About Inner and Outer Changes =-.
Hello Lance and Happy Father’s Day to you!!!
I love the writing of Oriah Mountain Dreamer and I am happy you shared some of it here today.
Like others here, this line “Don’t tell me how wonderful things will be … some day. Show me you can risk being completely at peace, truly OK with the way things are right now in this moment, and again in the next and the next and the next.” is totally where my heart is right now. Living life NOW, not postponing peace and happiness. My new blog, beginning July 1st, is centered around this exact theme. I have worked so hard on it for the past few weeks and it was very good for me to read The Dance today. Keeps me centered and grounded.
Thanks Lance and I hope you have a wonderful day.
Hi Lance,
Thank you!!! I love Oriah and her work..I actually have this book which is the poem broken down into chapters.…I use Oriah’s work in my life coaching practice and in my life…most inspirational…
Oriah describes authenticity at it’s best..experience, explore, show me…let your heart remain wide open regardless of external, feel joy even in the midst of pain, feel pain so that you may learn it is doable and it loses it’s fear filled power over you.…*Live* fully, Being to Being.…
That’s who I allow myself to be, and that’s who I want to know…Show Me!
And Happy Father’s Day to you–I can only imagine the crazy celebration at your house:)
There was such a flow and peace about this.
My favorite piece, “Sit beside me in long moments of shared solitude, knowing both our absolute aloneness and our undeniable belonging.”
A true friendship.
Happy Father’s Day, Lance! I hope it is blessed and happy. You deserve the best.
.-= Angelia Sims´s Last Fabulous Post ..Today is a big day =-.
BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thx Lance. Happy Dad’s Day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
.-= Jody — Fit at 52´s Last Fabulous Post ..Happy Dad’s Day! =-.
Hi Lance:
This is a great quote and I’ve read a couple things from Oriah Mountain Dreamer in the past…she’s got a way of asking great questions and prompting some deep thoughts and changes. Just a note…back when I was younger I was too shy and self conscious about dancing — perhaps I didn’t want to look silly. Let’s face it, I do a lot of things well but dancing isn’t one of them. At a certain point I just got up there and danced — and what do you know…you couldn’t get me off the dance floor! I still don’t dance very well, but I when I get out there, I do have fun.
.-= Tim´s Last Fabulous Post ..Strategic Partnerships: YouTube Play =-.
I’ve never read anything by Oriah before, so this was a treat! I couldn’t wait to read Joy’s comment, either, since what you shared here seemed very fitting to her and the great advice she always gives. Oh, and Tim makes me want to dance (seems we share the same bad dancing gene, but both have an inner need to boogie!).
I loved the line that said we shouldn’t forget that we never stop loving silently those we used to love out loud. What a profound line, and how applicable to this part of the journey I’m on.
My best to you, good friend! Today & always.
Thank goodness I LOVE dancing
Have a wonderful Father’s Day, Lance!
xoxo
.-= Caroline´s Last Fabulous Post ..enjoying some sweetness =-.
Happy Father’s Day Lance,
I only recently discovered Oriah’s work and am truly amazed by her writings, her words of wisdom. Thank you for sharing this piece today; it’s a perfect fit for Father’s Day.
Enjoy your day, Lance.
.-= Barbara Swafford´s Last Fabulous Post ..Stop The Insanity =-.
Lance that is the most beautiful thing ever! Then again I think that everytime I com here
Just so beautiful geesh! I am stealing a tiny snip it for my fav. blog quote.
Have a Happy Fathers Day you deserve it!
@Lady Fi — Hi Lady Fi! Yes…it most definitely IS!!
@Michelle — Hi Mish! Being “at peace”…such a wonderful thing, especially I think of moments when I have witnessed this — especially in what appear to be challenging moments — and it is so touching. And those walls…Mish, this I think is at the heart of who we are — each of us. We all have these walls we come upon. And in being open to sharing it all — the good and the bad — we just connect at a deeper and more meaningful level… So good having you here today…
@SnaggleTooth — Life and the moments we have in it.…and the connecting with other through all of this — life is so amazing. Maybe as though, even for a moment…that time stands still in the letting this enter our soul. And thank YOU so much for your wonderful thoughts!
@Lynn — LOVE. It’s so wonderful, isn’t it, Lynn. Especially when we feel that coming from a place of deep caring. Thank you so much for this…
@Natalia — Thank you so much, Natalia. Today is indeed wonderful and amazing…and in being gifted with your presence, that just makes today that much more beautiful…
@Trish — Hi Trish! Thank YOU!!
@Heather — So great having you here today Heather! And these words truly are beautiful…
Lance, thank you for this gift, the words are just stunning and really bring us back to us.
It is so like you to give on father’s day. Much love and may you have a laughter filled day, xox Wilma
Lovely picture and quote Lance. I sincerely wish you and your family a lovely Father’s Day.
.-= Diane Fit to the Finish´s Last Fabulous Post ..It’s Been 19 Years =-.
@Mimi — Miranda.…I think you of often…dancing with your two boys. And it’s always such a feel good moment!! And then I’ll watch the video…and again be touched by YOU. I’m not sure which I love more, though. Both are so wonderful in their own special ways…just as you are…
@Jannie — Hi Jannie!! That line you have highlighted…that one really touhces my heart too. I’m not sure I always get it right (as in — taking those risks). Still, it’s one that is so meaningful, as I continue to evolve and touch upon new spots within “me”. Risking those voices in our soul.… Thank you so much for sharing this. And just…thank YOU!! For being such a wonderful and supportive friend. Much love to you…
@Farnoosh — Farnoosh, you are so sweet!! Thank YOU!! And to these “stories”…the ones that come from our hearts…the ones that are real…and maybe not always glowing. They are “us”. And in that, our humanness shines through…and not tarnished because all our stories aren’t glowing. Shining because we share our heart and soul…and that is beautiful…through the good and the challenging moments… Farnoosh, you are a dear friend…thank you…
@Jules — Hi Jules. Those deeper desires…and when we can openly let those out, what a beautiful place. Wonderful!! And Jules, thank you so much for the Father’s day wishes — you are sweet…
@Evita — Hi Evita. If you could see me at this moment…I am smiling a sweet smile toward you. Evita, your words are so meaningful. And still — a challenge, always. How do we connect? What works? That is the challenge — to find that way of meeting another in that place…that place of open-ness. And sometimes I’m there…and sometimes I’m not. And I’m thinking of my kids, now…and how those moments can sometimes be the most challenging. Am I really meeting them at their soul? Or not? And I know…sometimes we won’t know until sometime later… And for now, that will be okay. So, I’ll continue to stand on that mountain (knowing that mountain is that place where I can meet them and connect…)… Evita, thank you for all you’ve said here. And thank you for the sweet Father’s day wishes…
@Keith — Hi Keith!! And thank YOU for the Father’s Day wishes!! NOW. It’s what we have. And in finding peace in that moment, such a wonderful place to “be”. So looking forward to what you have coming up in the next couple of weeks. Keith, I sense very much that you are in a wonderful place in your being right now…and that is so, so good to read.
@Joy — Hi Joy. This book by Oriah Mountain Dreamer just sounds like such a beautiful resource. Letting our heart remain open — sometimes this can feel so difficult. And yet, when we do.…even when there are “hurts”, it really does take us to a good, good place. And I LOVE what you have said: “*Live* fully, Being to Being….” And what a beautiful place to connect with others…in this space. Joy, I KNOW that you live from this place, and it’s such a wonderful thing to witness. And — thank you so much for the sweet Father’s Day wishes!
Happy Father’s Day big guy.
> Take me to the places on the earth that teach you how to dance, the places where you can risk letting the world break your heart
That’s a powerful line. It’s like going out on a limb from a firm foundation.
.-= J.D. Meier´s Last Fabulous Post ..Lessons Learned from Dad =-.
The crafting of this passage won me over. At first I started skimming, but I realized I was missing out on something important. I slowed down and let the words dance. The beauty shined and I realize that I need to take more time to dance with other people’s words.
@Angelia — Hi Angelia. That line is really pretty wonderful…the thought that we can feel connected through some form of shared solitude…very much a peace in all of that. And yes, it most definitely speaks to true friendships. Angelia, thank you so much for being here, and for being so sweet and caring.
@Jody — Thank you Jody! And thank you so much for the Father’s Day wishes!
@Tim — Hi Tim. Yes, her thoughts and questions are worded so wonderfully to really get us thinking more deeply, feeling more deeply, being more in touch with our soul. And it’s a lovely thing. Tim, I can also very much relate to the story you’ve shared — and I thank you for sharing this today. There can be a self-conscious factor within us — and very likely more noticeable when we’re younger. Again — I KNOW! And I love how you are getting out there now — no matter how good your dancing skills are! Rock on, my friend!
@Megan — DANCE PARTY!!! Because — I’m in that group, too — the “bad dancing gene” one!!! Think of how fun that would be — all together gettin’ our groove on! (or as “on” as it gets!!) Megan, the line you’ve highlighted — I think this one can be hard sometimes (hmmm…I wonder if this one’s a challenge for me sometimes…). when we do, though, what a wonderful thing — when love can transcend and become something more. Thank you so much — for all the LOVE you give… I feel it in my heart.…your caring gift of love. Know that this really is so meaningful to me… Big hugs to you, sweet friend.
@Caroline — Hey there Dancer Caroline!!! Keep on doing that! And thank YOU so much for the wonderful wishes — you are AWESOME!
@Barbara — Hi Barbara!! And…thank YOU so much for the sweet wishes! Yes, Oriah Mountain Dreamer’s works just really delve into deeply good stuff — so much to learn from her and from the thoughts that come because of these words.
@Shannon — Hi Shannon!! You are sweet, thank you so much for all the LOVE you give. I am so honored to know you and have you grace this site. And these words by Oriah can really touch us deeply…when we allow them to enter our soul…
I love Oriah’s work! She writes so beautifully. Her words come alive. When reading her book, I feel the deep connection that she has built. Thanks for sharing her work so that more can be touched by the wisdom of The Invitation.
.-= Evelyn Lim´s Last Fabulous Post ..10 Sure-Fire Tips To Making Creative Visualization Fun! =-.
Hi Lance — That was FABulous dahhhhling!
hugs
suZen
Very beautiful Lance. In the end, it’s all about love by doing, not just saying.
Lance, I loved this so much! Really what I needed today to fill up the reserves. So much of this spoke to me but especially this line:
“Show me how you follow your deepest desires, spiraling down into the ache within the
ache.” (And I will show you how I reach inward and open outward to feel the kiss of the
Mystery, sweet lips on my own, everyday.)
I do feel so much of that ache that won’t let me pull away, I am determined to move forward and do more showing… more risk-taking and more being transparent with the world, even if that means being completely open and vulnerable, and especially admitting my fears.
thank you for this gift today.. you are a blessing! a great encouragement!
I appreciate your gift to the world.
take care,
~Jenn
Jenn´s Last Fabulous Post ..What’s Your Balance Point? & Are You Grateful for It?
Hi Lance,
I love her work and this came at a great time. I’m printing it off and need to take myself to those places that make me dance. LOL I did go hiking in Sedona with hubs yesterday.
I love this, was introduced to the Invitation, but did not know about the Dance. I have been working with Sonia Choquette and each morning I dance and sing at the beach
Think like Tess I will print it off
Suzie Cheel´s Last Fabulous Post ..Have You Fed Your Spirit Recently?
@Wilma — Hi Wilma. Oriah Mountain Dreamer just has such a beautiful way of crafting words together. And in letting these words enter our soul…they do that — bring us back to us (thank you so much for saying that!). And thank you for all your beautiful and caring support… Much love to you.
@Diane — Hi Diane. Thanks so much for all of this — your soul is truly beautiful…
@J.D. Meier — Hey, thanks much JD!! And…very well said. Going out on that branch, knowing our foundation is solid…even if it doesn’t work out… Great, great stuff.
@Karl — Hi Karl. You know what’s interesting is that I had originally read this many months back. Or…should I say…skimmed it. And then since that time, I’ve done that again several time…again only skimming through it. This past week, I really just slowed down and let the words enter into my soul as I read them. And it was so, so good. The beauty. The profound wisdom within the words. So, I deeply appreciate what you have said here, and thank you for that…
@Evelyn — Hi Evelyn. While I haven’t read her complete book, all the words I have read by her all touch me deeply. She just shares so beautifully, and connects right into our soul. Evelyn, thank you so much for being here today.
@Suzen — Hi Suzen. Thank you so much!
@Colleen — Hi Colleen. Love in action. That’s a wonderful way of living, isn’t it! Colleen, it has been such a pleasure having you here — thank you!
@Jenn — Jenn, your words are beautiful and inspiring. And know that you shine when you do this — and you also allow others to shine, also. So, as you proceed in taking some more “risks” and opening yourself up…know that even in the challenging moments…there really is so much beauty and light. Much peace and love to you…always…
@Tess — Hi Tess. Those places are there…those places to “dance”. Hiking in Sedona…that very much sounds like a place of beauty…and a place for the soul to “dance”.…
@Suzie — Hi Suzie. Yes, isn’t this just wonderful too! Oriah Mountain Dreamer shares to beautifully from the soul. And…how awesome you are working with Sonia Choquette!! I became aware of her through you…and loved the Speed of Love song she has shared.
Hi Lance .. that’s a lovely post/poem — story of life .. I must get to find more out about Oriah Mountain Dreamer .. her words seem to resonate with wisdom and love for this world.
Thanks Lance .. it’s a lovely sentiment .. just right for a bit of relief from this frantic world .. a time to step back and take notice .. focus and care for our surroundings .. Have a good week — Hilary
Hilary´s Last Fabulous Post ..Nature in Balance … and the Dark-Bellied Dew Lover!
To live in the place where the world can break your heart, that is the mark of really living. I think you live there often Lance. You are an amazing father and it’s because you are willing to truly risk, to truly love those around you. Blessings to you on this Father’s Day and always!
@Hilary — Hi Hilary. Love and wisdom really do nicely sum up what Oriah Mountain Dreamer shares. Such deeply good stuff. And for us — when we stop for a bit and become just more aware of our being…what a wonderful thing.
@Audra — You are sweet, Audra…thank you. I think I’m getting better at this, and still — it can be a challenge, too. Sometimes it just feels so much easier to put up a shield to the (my) heart. Anyway, know that your words are very touching and meaningful to me.…as I work toward more fully living in the awareness of “me”. Big hugs to you, sweet friend…
Lance,
Truly an amazing and wise writing! Thank-you so much for sharing. We are communicated to in so many ways, it is up to us to hear.
Mark,
Thanks so much for visiting. Oriah Mountain Dreamer really has such a beautiful way of expressing that inner shine in all of us…
Hello
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Kathy
Kathy,
Thanks so much for visiting. Have a wonderful weekend!