I used to be shy.
You made me sing.
I used to refuse things at table.
Now I shout for more wine.
In somber dignity, I used to sit
on my mat and pray.
Now children run through
and make faces at me.
-Rumi (trans. Coleman Barks)
Rumi taught me (and is indeed still teaching me) to forget about my dignity. I only wish more children would run through.
This quote was said by Rumi. Rumi was a very important person in the history of Sufism, a mystic branch of Islam. He was truly a great man. All of the major religions sent representatives to his funeral. Another surprising and powerful quote that he said was, “I go into the Muslim mosque and the Jewish synagogue and the Christian church and I see one altar.” (again translated by Coleman Barks). Rumi died in the year 1273 CE, but his words are still those of a radical. Wake up, world.