I Always Mysteriously End in Love

No matter what ugly, fearful self I offer to the dance, it always mysteriously ends in love.

I came originally just to dance. I discovered by accident the spiritual center I have been craving all my life. No matter what ugly, fearful self I offer to the dance, it always mysteriously ends in love.

I have grown in gratitude, and in my commitment to co-creating a community of consciousness, love, and compassion in action. I discovered a peaceful warrior in myself, one that wants to fight for illumination in 360 degrees.

I have been surprised many times by tears flooding from a well of suffering, only to be transformed into a lotus at my feet. I can look people in the eyes more now, I recognize divinity where I used to see a challenge.

You have appeared beside me to witness and comfort me in moments of despair, challenged me to go further in moments of joy, reminded me of the value of contraction when I expand, encouraged me to expand when I have withered, and invited me to “begin again” when I have given up. I am so very grateful to have your steadfast presence as a spiritual beacon in my life.

ANNALISE MADSEN-dancer, social worker, community organizer