Beautiful words. I found myself reflecting on my “inner monk” as an aspect of myself and found that while I can neglect her in times of over-stimulation and general life-busywork… the real damage lies in that I push her down internally during times of great pain. This is most likely an exaggerated attempt at seeking safety. For our monk-selves possess a certain amount of tenderness, don’t they? Ah but this is where the words of Rumi come in. “Driving ourselves away” does indeed leave us “far from God”. But to allow and urge my inner monk to surface during these dark times .. to “not turn my head from the Beloved but to bow in worship and draw near” is what she is wondrously created to do.
Beautiful words. I found myself reflecting on my “inner monk” as an aspect of myself and found that while I can neglect her in times of over-stimulation and general life-busywork… the real damage lies in that I push her down internally during times of great pain. This is most likely an exaggerated attempt at seeking safety. For our monk-selves possess a certain amount of tenderness, don’t they? Ah but this is where the words of Rumi come in. “Driving ourselves away” does indeed leave us “far from God”. But to allow and urge my inner monk to surface during these dark times .. to “not turn my head from the Beloved but to bow in worship and draw near” is what she is wondrously created to do.
Tender, powerful reflections. Thank you, Emily! (And hopefully the mostly gendered “monk” wasn’t a barrier for reflection!)