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If I gaze at my beloved she may feel embarrassed and if I do not, she will feel neglected. I can see the stars reflecting in the calm water of her face but if I look away I lose my clarity.
Rumi
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote illustrates the delicate balance of attention in love, where both too much and too little can lead to misunderstanding.

In this quote, Rumi expresses the complexity of love and admiration, highlighting how the gaze of a lover can evoke feelings of both embarrassment and neglect. The duality of attention is emphasized; focusing on a beloved can bring clarity and appreciation, while looking away can lead to a loss of connection and understanding.

Themes

LoveAttentionAdmirationConnectionClarity

In practice

Example use cases

This quote could be shared at a wedding to highlight the importance of attention in relationships.

More from Rumi

My dear heart, never think you are better than others. Listen to their sorrows with compassion. If you want peace, don't harbor bad thoughts, do not gossip and don't teach what you do not know.
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Whatever you keep hidden in your heart, God _x000D_ manifests in you outwardly. Whatever the root of _x000D_ the tree feeds on in secret, affects the bough and _x000D_ the leaf.
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Come on sweetheart let's adore one another before there is no more of you and me
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