It was a hot day in Sri Lanka, much like the others. Seeking relief from the heavy sun, I made my way to One Galle Face, a luxurious, grand mall that attracted hundreds of foreigners and locals to its cool, bustling atmosphere. The mall was a haven of air-conditioned comfort, a stark contrast to the sweltering heat outside. The scent of freshly brewed coffee and the soft murmur of conversations filled the air, creating a vibrant, yet soothing ambiance.
Live music was a regular feature here, and today the halls resonated with the soulful sounds of jazz. The notes floated through the air, wrapping around the shoppers like a gentle embrace. After wandering through the maze of shops filled with colorful wares, luxurious fabrics, and tempting luxuries, I stopped to take in the music and the sights. The mall was like a palace—towering, white, and filled with lights. From the upper floor, I looked down into the lobby below, where hundreds of people had gathered, entranced by the melody. I, too, was mesmerized.
As I leaned against the railing, I noticed the diverse crowd below. There were families with children, couples holding hands, and individuals lost in their thoughts. Each person seemed to be caught up in the magic of the moment, united by the universal language of music. The melody seemed to weave a tapestry of connection among us all, strangers sharing a fleeting but profound experience.
Time seemed to stand still as I watched. The rhythm of the music echoed the heartbeat of the place, each note a reminder of the beauty of life’s simple pleasures. Amidst this scene, I noticed a young woman carving out a space in the crowd and beginning to ballroom dance alone. She moved with such carefree grace, knowing she was being watched but unfazed by it. Her bliss was palpable, and she became the most empowered person in the room. Her movements were fluid and elegant, as if she were channeling the music through her very being. Unwittingly, she inspired others to feel safe in expressing themselves. She wasn’t measured, rigid, or calculating to gain approval. No, she danced freely in a space where most would fear to tread.
As she twirled and swayed, I could see the faces of those around her softening. Smiles appeared, eyes twinkled, and a sense of shared joy spread through the crowd. Many of us go through life wishing we could dance to the music but refrain out of fear of ostracization or belittlement. However, she danced anyway. She danced, and my heart swelled with joy and pride. In that moment, she reminded us all of the power of uninhibited joy and the importance of seizing the moment.
This life is so short and precious. We often don’t dance, sing, play, or enjoy life’s pleasures, leaving those for the children. Yet, retaining our childlike wonder is a gift to humanity. One day, our bodies will give out, and there will be no more time left. The time is now to laugh, love, play, cry, grieve, and experience this body on this earth. Whether your dream is slow-paced and inquisitive or fast-paced and adventurous, the time to live that dream is finite.
So, dance when the music moves you, sing the tune in your soul, play and be imaginative, love yourself and those you feel called to love, breathe slowly and deeply, and remember who you are—an animated miracle. The young woman’s dance was a beautiful reminder that life is meant to be lived fully and freely. She was a beacon of light in a world often shrouded in shadows, and her uninhibited joy was a gift to all who witnessed it.
As I left the mall that day, the image of her dancing stayed with me. Her spirit of freedom and joy had touched something deep within me. I walked out into the hot sun with a renewed sense of purpose and a vow to embrace life’s moments more fully. She danced anyway, and because of that, she changed my perspective forever.
