Once, a student approached Rumi and asked, “How should I deal with pain and suffering in life ? “Rumi, in his wisdom, decided to share a story:” There was a man who sought the wisdom of a great sage, hoping to find a way to escape his suffering. The sage looked at him and said ‘I will help you, but first, you must do something for me. Take this spoon, fill it with oil, and walk through the town without spilling a drop.’The man thought this task was simple enough and agreed. He took the spoon, filled it with oil, and began to walk the town. As he carefully balanced the spoon, he couldn’t help but focus all his attention on not spiling any oil.When he returned to the sage, the sage asked, ‘Did you see the beautiful flowers in town square?
Did you notice the children playing and laughter of families?’The man realized he had been so fixed on the spoon that he hadn’t noticed anything else.The sage said,’This is the Key to dealing with pain.Just as you were so focused on the spoon that you missed the beauty around you, when you were consumed by your suffering, you miss the beauty of life. Pain is like the spoon, and life is like the town .Don’t let pain consume your entire focus. Remember to look around and appreciate beauty that still exists.’The student understood the sage’s message; While pain and suffering are part of life, it’s essential not to let them overshadow the beauty and joy that can be found in every moment.This story serves a a reminder that even in the face of pain and suffering, there is an opportunity to find meaning and beauty in life.Beloved Rumi
Art John Anster Fitzgerald 1860
Nothing you love is lost. Not really. Things, people—they always go away, sooner or later. You can’t hold them, any more than you can hold moonlight. But if they’ve touched you, if they’re inside you, then they’re still yours. The only things you ever really have are the ones you hold inside your heart. ~Bruce Coville