If your knowledge of fire has been turned to certainty by words alone, then seek to be cooked by the fire itself. Don't abide in borrowed certainty. There is no real certainty until you burn; if you wish for this, sit down in the fire.
RumiRead
Little self-denials, little honesties, little passing words of sympathy, little nameless acts of kindness, little silent victories over favorite temptations-these are the silent threads of gold which, when woven together, gleam out so brightly in the pattern of life that God approves.
Interpretation
Small acts of goodness and integrity profoundly shape our lives and are valued by a higher power.
This quote emphasizes the importance of small, everyday acts of kindness and integrity, suggesting that they contribute significantly to the overall quality of our lives. It implies that these seemingly trivial gestures are integral to a meaningful existence and are recognized and approved by God, highlighting their spiritual significance.
In practice
In a motivational speech about personal growth, one might use this quote to encourage people to embrace small acts of kindness in their daily lives.
If your knowledge of fire has been turned to certainty by words alone, then seek to be cooked by the fire itself. Don't abide in borrowed certainty. There is no real certainty until you burn; if you wish for this, sit down in the fire.
Afraid of decision, I buried my finer feelings in the depths of my heart and they died there.
The measure of human character is our reaction to dark times. No one can sidestep darkness. It is the throne upon which light sits. If a soul has not known sadness and struggle, there is no chance of overcoming, no cherishing the dawn.
Whatever happens in your life, joyful or painful, do not be swept away by reactivity. Be patient with yourself and don't lose your sense of perspective.
In old age, you realise that while you're divided from your youth by decades, you can close your eyes and summon it at will. As a writer it puts one at a distinct advantage.
In the East they say suffering is avoidable and not necessary. Life is bliss! You know why? This is because wisdom, yoga and meditation are ways to avoid suffering which has not yet come.
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