The Dance of Life

Question:
At Jewish weddings, I've seen this dance, where people stand facing each other in two lines, and then run towards each other and meet in the middle; then run backwards to their original places, only to do it all over again.

Is there any meaning to this dance?
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Answer:

This wedding dance reflects, the dance of a healthy relationship.

In any loving relationship, a couple experiences moments of closeness and love, as well as moments of distance and tension.

It is not possible for two human beings to share intimate space, and not go through some rough patches. If a relationship is to be real, it probably won't be smooth.

But this tension, is exactly what makes true love so powerful. Every moment of tension in a loving relationship, is an opportunity, to get to know each other better; to transcend the superficial, and experience the essential.

Why are you upset; what did I do to hurt you; where did we misunderstand each other; what can we learn from this episode?
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The only reason you retreat from each other, is in order to achieve a deeper relationship. You take a step back, so that you can then spring forward.

The divide that was created by the little falling out, provides the energy, to come back closer and stronger than ever. __________
As we dance around the newlyweds, we give them a powerful message. In your lives together, it will invariably happen, that you will make mistakes. There will be times of misunderstanding and distance, when you feel you have drifted apart, and the love is being strained.

But the secret: even in those times, is never turn your back. Even when you are retreating, always face each other. If you do, the tension itself, will propel you back towards each other.

Never fear those moments, of tension in your marriage; rather, see them as opportunities, for a deeper connection.

In the dance of love, the good times bring you close; but the tough times, bring you closer, just keep dancing...