"What if we allowed ourselves to be so different that we finally belong?"
I dreamed that white, foamy sea water, appearing out of nowhere, rushed up to soak me. Water spells fear and danger for me in dreams. Except that this time it didn't. This time I took a deep breath and stepped forward, *into* the water, allowing it to lift and carry me, surrendering to the sensual delight of releasing control. It did not swallow or drown me. Instead it held me gently, dancing with me in gentle surges. Until finally it deposited me back on my feet at the shore, tingling with new life and sensual awareness.
I emerged naked. Nakedness spells shame for me in dreams. Except that this time it didn't. Slowly I stood up even taller and decided that now was the time. Time to embrace my nakedness. I began to run. Running, not away but toward, arms wide and laughing into the wind. Running as I have never run before: lightly, easily, powerfully. I ran for the sheer joy of feeling the movement of my hips, my arms, my breath. Ran for the sheer joy of a landscape blurring beneath my agile feet.
When finally I stopped I discovered that I was holding towels that partially hid my body. I held choice in my hands: cover myself or drop the towels? Slowly, deliberately and with pride, I put down the towels and rose to my full height before the world. I chose nakedness.
I should have been afraid. I should have been ashamed.
Should have been. Wasn't.