“If the house of the world is dark, love will find a way to create windows.”

Rumi

This afternoon I found myself with some free time so I decided to visit a local bookstore. I was listening to Brene Brown’s “Dare to Lead” in audiobook form and decided I wanted to read certain sections in addition to the audio. Her books have so much deep material so close together, I was concerned I might get overwhelmed with material unless I paused to take notes.

I decided I wanted to visit the poetry section of the bookstore. My heart wanted me to thumb through a poetry book as well because I knew “Dare to Lead” was intense. Poetry might give me space to integrate what Brene Brown had to teach amidst all the note taking and all the new-to-me-thoughts and lingo.

I saw a Coleman Barks translation of Rumi, the mystical sufi poet I have long loved, and I said. “Oh, a new Rumi compilation?”

I was shocked to see the publication was 2014. Six years ago.

“I have not sought after Rumi in six years?” I stood in the bookstore shaking my head, scoffing at myself for this gap in time. “Where has my heart been?”

My theme for January is “Window” (primarily the metaphor) and the first quote/prompt I am exploring is from Rumi – which is certainly not an accident. Windows invite light into the room. Windows allow us to see outside our space of “protection”. Windows allow us to plan and hold a vision and see possibilities we couldn’t see without them.

Throughout January, I will be exploring a variety of themes about “windows”. For the next few days, the prompts I will be use include:

How do I (and/or will I) create windows in my life, community and family? 

What am I willing to do to keep windows wide open to my goals, vision and opportunities as we start this new year?

I am devoted to be compassionate towards myself – and trust this will open windows of love and more opportunities to read Rumi throughout the days to come. The key is to remember what you love – and don’t let circumstances or other people come between you. Ever.

My next quotes and prompts will include wisdom from Edith Wharton, Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, Christina Rosetti and Marcus Aurelius. I hope you will gain value from the discoveries you make here.

How will you bring light and love into your vision and goals this year?