Rumi

Rumi, the lover, spent the day with me.

Resting before getting out of bed, I pulled Rumi to me. He said, “Though we seem to be sleeping, there is an inner wakefulness that directs the dream, and that will eventually startle us back to the truth of who we are.” Rumi startled me. Refreshed and awake, I am quietly nudged, and sweetly reminded of who I am.

In meditation, I sit, and become empty and aware, warm with love. I lose myself. Rumi said, “I can’t explain the goings, or the comings. You enter suddenly and I am nowhere again. Inside the majesty.”

At breakfast today, Rumi said, “Who ever acts with respect will get respect. Whoever brings sweetness will be served almond cake.” Thank you Rumi, it is delicious.

I notice an old photo. With a lingering penchant for wistful sadness, tears rise up. Rumi said, “But listen to me; for one moment, quit being sad. Hear blessings dropping their blossoms around you.” And I noticed early camellia blossoms already dropping their exquisite pink blossoms onto the garden soil. How did he know? In this moment my sadness dissipates.

Looking out my window onto the boulevard, watching the traffic speed by, I feel a sense of longing. Rumi said, “Days full of wanting, let them go by without worrying that they do. Stay where you are inside such a pure, hollow note.” I am here now in this comfortable space, watching out the window I become unattached – the moment is pure.

Rumi left me a note by my window. It reads, “Every object, every being, is a jar full of delight. Be a connoisseur.” And I looked, and saw with fresh eyes flags with brilliant colors illuminated by light, gently tossed by an invisible breeze to delight me.

He quietly whispered, “Observe the wonders as they occur around you. Don’t claim them. Feel the artistry moving through, and be silent.” I notice the sunlight filtering through the early morning fog, illuminating the grass with the patterns of dancing leaves. I watch, silently, full of wonder.

Rumi popped up again and said to me, “Keep knocking, and the joy inside will eventually open a window and look to see who’s there.” Oh Rumi, you are being playful with me. Who, who is knocking? Is it you? Is it me? There you are! It is my beloved.

The news came on the car radio. I turned it off. Rumi reminded me, “World-power means nothing. Only the unsayable, jeweled inner life matters.” I know he's right - I hardly have the words to express it.

My heart is so open. I live, full of awe, experiencing the joy and artistry of the simplest moment, rich beyond measure with inner treasures. I stop to wonder about it. Then Rumi said, “This is not a day for asking questions, not a day on any calendar. This day is conscious of itself. This day is a lover, bread, and gentleness, more manifest than saying can say.”

I know you are right, again, Rumi. Thank you, my beloved friend.