Dances With Ribbons

A reoccurring dream from early childhood.

I am a small child holding on to a ribbon. Blackness surrounds me. I cling to this ribbon for dear life. I feel if I let go I will fall into this blackness. I am very afraid the ribbon will not be able to hold me it is so fragile. I notice that the ribbon is filled with colors. Every color I could possibly imagine, soft iridescent pastels, bright, primary, and deep rich colors. The ribbon is a magical rainbow.

As I see it reaching out into a parallel distance, waving, enticing me, I start to follow. Wondering where will it lead me? I become giddy and light hearted as I twist and turn, undulating with the ribbon. I slowly let go of my tight grip and gently let it slide through my fingers.

Next, I became entangled with the ribbon. However, I do not feel restricted by it. The ribbon and I are one, and we are dancing. As I continue to follow, the ribbon dips away from me. I become afraid, but it quickly returns. I let go and twirl around, and it is still beside me. Sometimes I lead. Sometimes the ribbon leads. Sometimes it would remain right beside me. Sometimes it would go its own way. But, we would always come back together, at certain predetermined points.

I realize that where the ribbon leads me or I lead the ribbon is not important. It is the dance that is most important. The shared gentle flow, the twists and turns, knots and entanglements that are all part of the journey.

Ribbons as a metaphorical journey through life

My own personal growth occurred at the realization that life is not something that can be clung to and held tightly. It is in the letting go, the enjoyment of interactions, and the dances with ribbons that create a richer more fulfilling experience.

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