A letter to a dancer.

Yesterday I witnessed a rare spiritual event. Resplendent in red and green, with her naturally beautiful face enhanced by kohl, in the traditional bharatnatyam attire, Swathi radiated beauty.

I have seen this woman go through different phases in her life. Her multiple roles as a daughter in law, wife, mother, sister and a businesswoman... she has always displayed a unique combination of grace and strength. But yesterday, as I watched her perform on stage, I witnessed a woman come alive with the essence of her soul. "Jab paav thirakne lage, tho duniya dal gayi". As her feet started to move to the rhythm, the rest of the world simply faded away.

Dancing to Mahaganapathim, a way of welcoming the gods, by invoking the blessings of Lord Ganesha, and then dancing her tribute to Balagopal... and then... she radiated pure strength as the Rowdra Rup of Shiva.

Now Shiva has always been a source of strength for me, and the beautiful woman displaying the avatars of Shiva,  brought tears to my eyes.

Swathi, no matter what twists and turns life brings to you, dance. Dance like only you can. Dance with your entire being.

Much love.