Turning to Rumi for Comfort.
It’s been a crappy week. My Lyme symptoms have been acting up, and I received sad news twice; an old friend passed away from alcoholism, and my oldest friend's Dad passed away on Sunday-I have known him since I was six years old.
For me, facing my emotions helps me work through them, and I have numerous tools in my self-care box to assist me through moments like this. The ones I turn to the most; connecting with nature in some way, rolling out my yoga mat or sitting in stillness with breath-centred awareness, are not cutting it. Sometimes music will ease the sting, but I’ve turned to poetry for comfort this time.
I studied many of the great poets in university, and as much as I admire many of them, it’s the poets that I was introduced to after school that remain in my periphery. They are Mary Oliver, Richard Wagamese, Maya Angelou and Rumi.
I’ve found solace in reading Rumi’s words in the last few days. His poems about life, love and happiness have always inspired me, and he is my cheerleader encouraging me to keep going. His writings are timeless, fluid, and poignant, and I’m convinced he knows exactly how I feel.
Jalāl al-Dīn Muḥammad Rūmī was born in the 13th century in Tajikistan, which borders Afghanistan and Pakistan. He was a Persian poet, Islamic scholar, Maturidi theologian and Sufi mystic.
He was famous in his own time and continues to appeal to contemporary readers. His writings have been translated into Russian, German, French, Italian and Spanish. His large volume of work seems to have something for everyone regardless of religion, nationality, race, education or socio-economic status.
His simple and accessible language makes it feel like he is speaking directly to you. I could easily post hundreds of his quotes, but today, I will only share a few of my favourites. Enjoy the wisdom:
Let me know in the comments below what helps you cope in challenging times.
Be well.
Anita