I recently spent a week at a Dances of Universal Peace camp with friends old and new. We sing and dance sacred songs from all of the world’s major faith traditions. It is a profoundly powerful experience. Because of Covid, it had been two and a half years since the last time I was able to participate in a dance circle. I knew I was missing it, but the truth is that I had no idea how much. At our opening session it was like coming home. About half way through the opening dance I found myself weeping because my heart was so full. The words to the songs we sing are profoundly moving and speak deeply to my soul. They are enhanced and supported by the movements of the dance. But what really moved me to tears was sharing it with the community which had come together in that moment. There is something both deeply primal and deeply spiritual about joining our voices and moving together. It is a mystical reminder that I am not alone. Indeed, I am not even separate. The concept of who I am begins to expand. When I participate in the Dances my heart breaks open in a way that transforms and changes me. I am easily moved to tears, or laughter, or both. The next morning someone told me they appreciated watching me from across the circle because they could see the joy radiating from my face. His words gave expression to how I was feeling. I am grateful beyond words for this opportunity to experience life in a more expansive way. There is so much more to this life than I often allow myself to recognize. Thankfully, there are opportunities such as the Dances to be reminded how important it is to show up and pay attention. The opening words of the prayer we say at the beginning of each session gives expression to what we are about. “Towards the One – the perfection of Love, Harmony, and Beauty!” And thus I continue to step (and dance and sing) my way deeper in the Great Mystery!