Rumi, also known as Jalal ad-Din Muhammad
Rumi, was a 13th-century Persian poet, Islamic jurist, and theologian. His works, particularly his collection of
mystical poetry known as the "Masnavi”, have had a profound influence on literature,
spirituality, and the understanding of the human experience. Rumi's teachings are deeply rooted in Sufism,
which is the mystical branch of Islam. Sufism emphasizes the inward journey of the
soul towards union with the divine. It focuses on experiencing the presence of
God, attaining spiritual enlightenment, and cultivating a deep love and connection with
the Divine. At the core of Rumi's teachings lies the profound
significance of being fully present and embracing the present moment with joy and awareness. It is within the realm of the present that
we unlock our spiritual potential and the boundless possibilities of life itself. So with that in mind, let’s explore five
teachings from Mawlana Jalal ad-Din Rumi on how to savor and enjoy the present moment. Free yourself from the burdens of the past
and the anxieties of the future Rumi says "Its good to leave each day behind,
like flowing water, free of sadness. Yesterday is gone and its tale told. Today new seeds are growing.” Among the many tales that are narrated about
Rumi’s life, there’s one that captures the essence of enjoying the present moment. One day, a man came to Rumi to cry his sorrows. To enlighten him, Rumi took him to a river
to watch the beautiful water flowing. He then told him: "Do you see how the water
flows? It does not worry about what is behind it
or what is ahead of it. It simply flows in the present moment, knowing
that it will reach its destination." Rumi's story provided a concrete example of
the importance of being present in the moment and letting go of things that can take us
away from the present. This anecdote, whether it actually happened
or not, is a powerful representation of how Rumi alleviated the pain and anxiety of others,
and his deep spiritual connection to the present moment. His teachings continue to inspire people to
embrace the present and let go of worries about the future or regrets from the past. It's possible that you haven't yet achieved
the level of success you had hoped for at this point in your life. Maybe you expected to be a millionaire, a
successful doctor, or a renowned public speaker by now. But why let that disappointment affect your
day? Instead of dwelling on what hasn't happened
yet, focus on what you can do now to achieve your goals in the future. The future is inherently unknown, which can
be both a curse and a blessing. It's impossible to predict what it holds,
but it may offer greater opportunities than you had ever imagined at the right time. Of course, it's important to hope for a beautiful
and prosperous future full of success, but don't become obsessed with it. It's crucial to avoid letting the future take
over your present. The present moment is like a free man and
it doesn't like being overshadowed or controlled. So, focus on taking action in the present
to work towards your goals and let the future unfold naturally. Imagine standing in the midst of a desert,
gazing at the magnificent dunes before you. But instead of relishing the beauty of the
moment, you're fretting over the possibility of a sandstorm. You're so consumed by the fear of the unknown
future that it blinds you to the present. Similarly, dwelling on the past can prevent
you from truly living. Imagine the victims of a tornado who are unable
to move on from the tragedy. The past is like a storm that has passed,
but it's up to us to decide whether we want to remain uprooted or plant ourselves again
and grow anew. While it's important to learn from the past
and prepare for the future, the present is where we truly exist. It demands our attention, our focus, and our
energy. It deserves our love, our life, and our laughter. By being fully present in the moment, we can
experience life to the fullest. Don't let the past or the future overshadow
the present. Embrace the present and it will treat you
like royalty. 2. Quiet your mind In the words of Rumi “The quieter you become,
the more you are able to hear." One day, Rumi was walking with one of his
students through a busy market that was jovial and ceremonial. The student, taken by the atmosphere, noticed
that Rumi remained quiet as if there was nothing around him. The student then asked him about his demeanor,
and Rumi’s answer was one for the ages. He told him that he was listening to something
more amazing, which is the sound of the universe. The student, perplexed, asked him about how
one can hear the sound of the universe. And Rumi explained: "When we quiet our minds
and become still, we can hear the music of the universe. It is always there, but we are usually too
busy and distracted to hear it. The quieter we become, the more we are able
to hear it." Rumi's teachings remind us that true fulfillment
comes from cultivating inner wisdom, compassion, and love, rather than external accomplishments
or material possessions. He invites us to explore the depths of our
own being and discover the hidden treasures that lie within. In today's world, we are constantly bombarded
with distractions that make it difficult to connect with the deeper aspects of our lives. Our attention spans have become shorter, and
we often feel trapped in a cycle of distraction and disconnection. To apply Rumi's lessons in our modern-day
lives, we can start by prioritizing stillness, focus, and calmness. By taking time to cultivate inner peace and
mindfulness, we can connect with our true selves and find a sense of purpose. An example of this would be setting aside
10-15 minutes each day to practice meditation. During this time, you can focus on your breath
and observe your inner thoughts without judgment. By regularly practicing meditation, you can
develop a greater sense of self-awareness and become more attuned to the present moment. This can help you to feel more centered and
calm, even in the midst of a busy and chaotic day. Similarly, practicing yoga, journaling or
any form of prayer can also help to cultivate mindfulness in your daily life. Rumi's teachings invite us to embark on a
profound spiritual journey of self-discovery and union with the divine. By embracing the fullness and richness of
our human experience and exploring the depths of our own being, we can discover the true
treasures of life and live with greater authenticity and intentionality. 3. Embrace the beauty of the present moment To quote Rumi: "My friend, the sufi is the
son of the present moment: to say "tomorrow" is not our way." Rumi's life was forever changed by a special
person - Shams Tabrizi. Without him, Rumi may not have become the
renowned Sufi figure that we know him as today. Shams opened the door of Sufism to Rumi, who
was previously known only as a religious scholar. Rumi and Shams had a brotherly relationship
that was so strong and spiritual, and the teachings coming out of Shams were so enlightening
that Rumi neglected his students, and even his family at a certain point, all to spend
time absorbing as much teaching as possible from Shams. Today we look at it as a great time for Rumi
to turn into this larger-than-life figure and Sufism pioneer, but at that time, it raised
a lot of eyebrows and inspired jealousy and contempt toward Shams. However, although Rumi was aware of that,
it didn’t stop him from clinging to what he had at that time. He tightly held to his relationship with Shams
because unlike what the external world was thinking about it, Rumi was taken by the present
moment and made sure to make the most out of it. Although that could have cost him his family,
his students, and his reputation tomorrow, tomorrow was not guaranteeing him he’ll
have a better-quality time, more enlightening teachings, or even a better relationship. And Rumi was right for doing so. Because decades after it, people recognized
the greatness of Rumi the Sufist. And centuries later, people are still chanting
his name, and his poems, and feeding into his wisdom. The future often appears to be a trade-off
for the present moment. Many people view what they have in their hands
as disposable, assuming that the future holds something better. While that may turn out to be true, it's important
to remember that the future is unknown and uncertain. We should not sacrifice the present, which
is a known quantity in our hands, for a future that we may never witness if our lives are
cut short. The secrets of the future should be left to
destiny, and we should embrace the beauty of the present moment. Many people believe that they can only do
something worthwhile during the weekend, when they have ample time to spare. They dismiss the three or four hours they
have after work and fail to realize that they still have time in front of them. But why dismiss the present moment? This misconception can even be applied to
a larger scale, where people dismiss years of their lives, hoping for perfect conditions
in the future to act. However, they forget that action is rooted
in the present. So, we must embrace the present and take action
now, rather than waiting for an ideal moment that may never come. For example imagine a scenario where a group
of friends is planning a reunion trip. They all share a deep desire to spend quality
time together and create lasting memories. However, one friend, Sarah, constantly postpones
making any concrete plans for the trip. She believes that the ideal conditions for
the reunion will only be present in the future, such as when she has more vacation days or
when the group can afford a luxurious destination. As a result, months go by with no progress,
and the reunion becomes nothing more than a distant dream. Meanwhile, the other friends, Jon, Mark, and
Lisa, realize that they don't want to wait indefinitely for the perfect moment. They decide to take action in the present
and make the most of the time they have. The three of them meet up for a casual dinner
after work to discuss the reunion. They spend some time brainstorming ideas,
sharing their excitement, and making preliminary plans. Mark proposes that they go for a hike on the
upcoming weekend to strengthen their bond and reconnect with nature. Lisa suggests organizing a video call to catch
up with Sarah and make her feel involved in the process. These small actions not only bring joy and
anticipation to the present moment but also keep the momentum going. They remind the group that they don't have
to wait for everything to align perfectly before experiencing the beauty of their friendship
and the joy of being together. Eventually, Sarah begins to realize that she
has been dismissing the present in her pursuit of the "perfect" future conditions. She sees how her friends are enjoying each
other's company, embracing the present, and actively working towards their shared goals. Inspired by their actions, Sarah decides to
join them in taking small steps towards making the reunion a reality. In the end, the reunion trip does happen. It might not be as extravagant as Sarah initially
envisioned, but the memories created and the bonds strengthened far surpass any notion
of perfection. The friends learn that the present moment
is where the real beauty lies, and by acting now, they are able to fully embrace the wonders
of their friendship and create meaningful experiences together. We don't need to spend hours strategizing
or planning big moves to enjoy life's beauty. Sometimes, a simple walk in the park or a
lengthy phone call with a loved one is enough to remind us of the beauty of life. And sometimes, a funny movie that makes us
laugh out loud can be all it takes to appreciate the world around us. We can also set aside time each day to disconnect
from technology and social media and engage in activities that nourish our souls, such
as spending time in nature, reading, or spending time with loved ones. The present is a thing of beauty, and by acting
today, we can fully embrace its wonders. 4. Be fully engaged in your life’s experiences Rumi teaches us to "Let yourself be silently
drawn by the stronger pull of what you love. It will not lead you astray." One day, Rumi was walking with his disciples,
unfazed, and then he heard a sound that drew him like a magnet. It was a blacksmith hitting the iron to give
birth to his steel creation. That sound, that clash between the hammer
and the iron was like music to Mawlana’s ears. So he started dancing to it, whirling and
going round and round, taken by that music. Everyone kept looking at him, some were bothered,
others were mesmerized, and the blacksmith kept going purposely to not interrupt Rumi’s
moment of pure joy. Perhaps for someone else, that is just some
annoying sound, but for Rumi, that was a call for love, a call to express his inner world
and true self, and a door to let his spirituality thrive. In fact, it was in this moment of trance-like
sufist whirling that he gave birth to the famous spiritual dance we know today as The
Whirling Dervish. As human beings, everyone has what they love,
what they want to become, and what ignites their love of life. Maybe you are at your best when you find a
beautiful spot in the open air, at night, with the moon over your head, all for me to
grab your pen and write the most beautiful poems or deepest thoughts. Maybe someone else is taken away when they
are drawing the most abstract pieces of art, even though people wouldn’t understand it. The examples are many, but the conclusion
is one. Find what catches your breath and makes time
stop for you, regardless of what people think. In life there’s surviving, there’s living,
and there’s thriving. And the last one is when you’re actually
having quality time. It’s when you immerse yourself in what you
love, and live your experiences to the fullest. It’s when people need to wake you up while
you’re awake, because your attention was entirely consumed by something you love. So today, even if you haven't yet discovered
what truly captivates you and gives meaning to your life, it's perfectly alright. Explore diverse activities, try new experiences,
and invest time in discovering your passions. Through this exploration, you will eventually
uncover the right path and the experiences that resonate with your soul. Once you find what you love, immerse yourself
in it wholeheartedly and let yourself thrive. 5. Cultivate gratitude
In our final quote from Rumi for this video, he says "Wear gratitude like a cloak and it
will feed every corner of your life." Gratitude is akin to the warm rays of sunlight
that grace our faces on a beautiful day. Its essence is unmistakable when encountered
in someone's life, and Rumi embodied this deep sense of gratitude. His very presence reflected a profound appreciation
for all that he had been blessed with. Despite the adoration and accolades showered
upon him, Rumi remained remarkably humble. He found solace and joy in the simplest of
things, for his gratitude knew no conditions or limitations. The beauty of Rumi's journey is that his attainment
of loveable, respected stature becoming renowned, respected and beloved was not a calculated
pursuit. Rather, it was the natural consequence of
his deep gratitude and sincere interactions with others. Rumi's gratitude shaped his character, transforming
him into an endearing and revered scholar, and later, a spiritual leader. It was through his unwavering gratitude that
he drew people towards him. He possessed the remarkable ability to make
everyone he encountered feel valued and cherished. This genuine expression of gratitude not only
endeared him to others but also allowed him to touch countless lives. Gratitude molded him into an embodiment of
love and appreciation, magnetizing people to his teachings and wisdom. Rumi's example teaches us the transformative
power of gratitude. When we cultivate gratitude in our lives,
it shapes our character, elevates our interactions with others, and draws forth a sense of authenticity
that is irresistible. Gratitude has the ability to ignite a profound
inner shift, making us more present, loving, and attuned to the blessings that surround
us. What you possess today is meant for you, and
what you lack is not yet meant to be yours. It is possible to desire more, and perhaps
tomorrow you will have more. However, do not let the potential gains of
tomorrow overshadow the actual gains of today. It is with today's blessings that you move
forward and progress. So, embrace and appreciate what you have in
the present moment. At times, the challenges of life can lead
us to despise our current possessions. For instance, imagine someone earning $150
a day, yet their sole focus is on earning an extra $150. When they receive their initial $150, they
may not even acknowledge it. Instead, it becomes a source of irritation,
a reminder of their dissatisfaction with their current state. Yet, isn't that very 150 bucks what provides
food on their table, a warm shelter, and basic necessities? While striving for financial improvement is
important, those $150 are sustaining them in the present moment. Conversely, another person might become so
wealthy that they dismiss and disregard their possessions, always yearning for more. However, if one fails to appreciate what they
have, life may one day present them with a setback, causing them to lose some of their
belongings. Only then, in hindsight, will they recognize
the importance of what they had and downgrade their desires. Therefore, if you aspire for more tomorrow,
go ahead and pursue it. The world is open to you. But until that day dawns, as long as today's
sun has not set, be grateful for what you have and view it with tenderness. This sentiment extends beyond material possessions
to relationships as well. If you find yourself alone and desire companionship
tomorrow, appreciate your solitude today and make the most of your personal time. If you are unemployed and long for work, cherish
your free time today and invest it wisely. If you are facing illness today, be grateful
for the abilities you still possess – the ability to walk, to think, to eat and drink. Seek things to be grateful for that are not
necessarily visible to the eyes but are recognized by the soul. Furthermore, practicing gratitude in your
daily life can significantly contribute to your overall well-being. Take a few moments each day to write down
three things you are grateful for. It could be something as simple as a beautiful
sunset, a supportive friend, or a delicious meal. By focusing on the positives, you shift your
mindset towards appreciation and cultivate a sense of contentment. Moreover, consider writing a gratitude letter
to someone once a week. Expressing your gratitude to others not only
brings joy to their lives but also deepens your own sense of appreciation. Reflect on the impact that person has had
on your life and share your heartfelt appreciation in a letter. It can be a powerful practice that not only
fosters gratitude but also strengthens relationships, and promotes a more positive outlook. In cultivating gratitude, we unlock a profound
appreciation for the intangible blessings that envelop us. If you enjoyed this video, please make sure
to check out our full philosophies for life playlist and for more videos to help you find
success and happiness using ancient philosophical wisdom, don’t forget to subscribe. Thanks so much for watching.
