Let it be a dance we do.

May I have this dance with you?

Through the good times and the bad times, too,

let it be a dance.

– Rev. Ric Masten

​Dancing is, for me, a daily spiritual practice and an overarching metaphor. When I remember to let it be a dance, I move through life as if every interaction is a collaboration with beauty. I stay “in shape” by setting aside time every day to lie on the floor, connect to earth, and listen to my body. Sometimes — especially with good music — I find myself rolling or gliding across the floor. But the only thing I need for a “good dance” is self-compassion and occasional awareness of my breath.

​Perhaps it’s no coincidence that I have sung Ric Masten’s poem all my life. Though I never met this Unitarian Universalist minister and troubadour, I feel a deep kinship with him through these lyrics as well as his life story and his poems in ​Going Out Dancing​.

​Having experienced two kinds of cancer and an incomplete spinal cord injury, I am acquainted with the disappointment and freedom of an “imperfect” body. Despite the pain and inconvenience of being a real person, I’m convinced that perfection would be a huge hindrance to the dance. Whatever brought you to this moment, I trust that you, too, have access to a sacred mix of stillness and movement — whether or not you call yourself a dancer. Let us be present, embrace what is true, and grow with tender grace.

See Ric leading some kids in the song here.​

​Let It Be a Dance, in full
Ric Masten
#313 Singing the Living Tradition

Let it be a dance we do.
May I have this dance with you?
Through the good times and the bad times, too,
let it be a dance.

Let a dancing song be heard.
Play the music, say the words,
and fill the sky with sailing birds.
Let it be a dance.
Let it be a dance. Let it be a dance.
Learn to follow, learn to lead,
feel the rhythm, fill the need
to reap the harvest, plant the seed.
Let it be a dance.

(Chorus)

Everybody turn and spin,
let your body learn to bend,
and, like a willow with the wind,
let it be a dance.
Let it be a dance. Let it be a dance.
A child is born, the old must die;
a time for joy, a time to cry.
Take it as it passes by.
Let it be a dance.

(Chorus)

Morning star comes out at night,
without the dark there is no light.
If nothing’s wrong, then nothing’s right.
Let it be a dance.
Let it be a dance. Let it be a dance.
Let the sun shine, let it rain;
share the laughter, bear the pain,
and round and round we go again.
Let it be a dance.