Dance with Both Hands Free
I have adapted this story from the version by Liz Mangual found on the Healing Story Alliance website listed below.
Once there was a woman who went to visit her friend. Her friend was a glassblower and had been blowing beautiful and brightly colored glass ornaments. There were several glass balls of many different sizes, shapes and colors sitting on her work bench. When the glassblower saw her friend she exclaimed, “Friend! I am so happy to see you! Let’s celebrate! Please come in and make yourself comfortable, and I will get you something to drink”.
The glassblower went into the kitchen to get a cup of tea. Her friend looked around and noticed the lovely ornaments shining in the early afternoon light. They were so beautiful! And she was tempted. She couldn’t resist herself. Quickly, she reached over and took one of the glass balls and stuck it underneath her arm.
When the glassblower returned she noticed that an ornament was missing, and knew that her friend had taken it. She thought for a moment, and came up with a plan to get it back. Putting down the cup of tea she said; “Friend, what a joyful day it is today! Please, get up and let’s dance.” In a tentative voice her friend responded, “Yes, let us dance”.
The glassblower raised both her arms high and began to dance. She smiled as she turned in slow circular motions dancing with joy. Her friend got up, but instead danced with both her arms pressed close to her sides, holding the glass ball tightly underneath one of her arms.
When the glassblower saw this she said, “It is a day for celebration, friend! How is it that you dance with your arms that way? Look, dance like me with both your arms raised!” The friend then raised one of her arms, but kept the other pressed tightly against her side.
The glassblower seeing this insisted and said, “It is such a joyful day, please dance with both arms raised. Look at me. Like this!” The glassblower continued to dance, spinning, turning and swaying with joy. The friend looked down and quietly said; “But sister, I am sorry, this is all that I know of dancing.”
…Always be ready to dance with both hands free.