When Rumi Stole My Heart

In my college years, amidst the chaos of deadlines and the constant buzz of youthful aspirations, I stumbled upon a treasure that would shape my journey in ways I never anticipated.

It was during a literature class, on a day that seemed no different from the rest, that I was introduced to the poetry of Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi. Little did I know, this encounter with Rumi's words would become a beacon of light, guiding me through the tumultuous sea of life's challenges and uncertainties.

“Passion makes the old medicine new:

Passion lops off the bough of weariness.

Passion is the elixir that renews:

how can there be weariness

when passion is present?

Oh, don't sigh heavily from fatigue:

seek passion, seek passion, seek passion! “

College was a time of profound exploration for me, a period marked by questions rather than answers, by a quest for meaning in the midst of textbooks and theories. Rumi's poetry entered my life as if by serendipity, at a moment when the weight of existential questions bore heavily on my shoulders. His verses, rich with wisdom and soaked in the essence of love and unity, offered a new perspective, one that transcended the mundane and touched the divine.

"What you seek is seeking you," Rumi wrote. This simple line struck a chord deep within me, igniting a spark of realization that the answers I sought were not out there in the world, but within the very depths of my being. Rumi's words became a constant companion, a source of comfort and inspiration as I navigated the complexities of college life and the broader journey of self-discovery.

In moments of doubt and loneliness, I found solace in Rumi's assurance that "The wound is the place where the Light enters you." These words became a mantra, reminding me that my struggles were not in vain but were pathways to growth and enlightenment. They taught me to embrace my vulnerabilities, to see them as openings through which wisdom and strength could flow into my life.

Rumi's call to "Unfold your own myth" challenged me to look beyond the expectations and narratives imposed by society and to carve out my own path. His poetry encouraged me to dive into the depths of my soul, to uncover my own truths, and to live authentically, guided by the light of my inner being.

Perhaps the most profound impact of Rumi's poetry on my life was the realization that love is the ultimate connector, the bridge between my heart and the world around me. "Love is the bridge between you and everything," he wrote, and these words opened my eyes to the interconnectedness of all beings, to the beauty of empathy and the strength that comes from understanding and compassion.

My college years are now behind me, but the lessons I learned from Rumi's poetry remain etched in my heart. They have become a compass by which I navigate the ups and downs of life, a source of strength and inspiration that continues to guide me toward light, love, and self-discovery. Rumi, a poet from the 13th century, became an unexpected mentor, a spiritual guide whose wisdom transcends time and continues to resonate with souls seeking meaning in the modern world.