The wisdom that the great poet and teacher Rumi expressed in Turkey more than 700 years ago is remarkable. In reality, the consciousness of other selves was more apparent then than it is today, so it is even more remarkable that it is no longer in tune with the other aspects of my consciousness in this age of discovery. Somehow, through the separation of thoughts, I have become unaware of the power that I have within me. I’ve been sleepwalking through time trying to wake up but haven’t been able to. Traveling in circles, I glimpse my tale through history, but the light of awakening is still dim. Restless, fearful and full of stress, I hope someone or something will help me, but I am caught in the waking dream of duality. .
Rumi in his poem “Tending Two Shops” explains what I can do to help myself. In his own way, he opens a window and the sun comes in. My other eyes open and I see myself for the first time and I smile. I no longer need to sell hooks; I am the whole and free fish.
This poem by Rumi was written in the mid 1200’s and has been translated by Coleman Barks in his book, The Essential Rumi.
Don’t run through this world
Looking for a hole to hide
There are wild beasts in every cave!
If you live with mice
cat claws will find you.
The only real rest is coming
when you are alone with God.
Live in the nothing where you come from
even if it has an address here.
So you see things in two ways.
Sometimes you look at a person
and see a cynical snake.
Someone else sees a cheerful lover
and they are both right!
Everybody is half and half
like the black and white ox.
Joseph looked ugly at his brothers,
and very handsome for his father.
You have eyes that see from nowhere
and eyes that judge distances,
how high and how low.
You have two stores
and you run from one side to the other.
Try to close what is a terrible trap
Everytime is smaller. Mate,
Here. Checkmate that.
Keep the store open
where you no longer sell hooks,
You are the fish that swims freely.