Seven centuries ago, the beloved Sufi scholar and poet Jalaluddin Rūmī wrote, “What you are seeking is seeking you.” This statement suggests a mystical connection between one’s desires and the universe. It implies that the act of seeking aligns one with what one seeks, creating a reciprocal pursuit.
Rumi’s concept of “what you are seeking is seeking you” resonates deeply with many aspects of modern spirituality. Here are some key ways this idea relates to contemporary spiritual thought:
Interconnectedness and Unity
Rumi’s teaching aligns with the modern spiritual emphasis on interconnectedness and the unity of all things. It suggests that there is no true separation between the seeker and what is sought – they are part of the same whole. This resonates with concepts like non-dualism and the interconnected web of existence found in many modern spiritual frameworks.
Inner Divinity
The idea implies that what we seek is already within us, echoing the modern spiritual focus on inner divinity and self-realisation. As one interpretation states, “whatever it is you’re looking for, it’s you”. This aligns with teachings about accessing our inner wisdom and higher self.
Law of Attraction
While not exactly the same, Rumi’s concept has similarities to the popular Law of Attraction idea – that our thoughts and intentions can draw things to us. However, Rumi’s teaching has more spiritual depth beyond just manifesting desires.
Mindfulness and Presence
By suggesting that what we seek is already here with us, Rumi’s words encourage present-moment awareness rather than constantly seeking externally. This resonates strongly with modern mindfulness practices.
Trust in the Universe
The teaching instils a sense of trust in a benevolent universe or higher power that is supporting our journey. This aligns with many modern spiritual perspectives on divine guidance and synchronicity.
Self-Knowledge and Inner Work
Rumi’s concept points to the importance of self-knowledge and inner exploration to find what we truly seek, which is central in many contemporary spiritual paths.
Transpersonal Psychology
The idea of an inner connection to something greater than the individual ego aligns with transpersonal psychology approaches that integrate spirituality. In essence, Rumi’s profound insight continues to offer wisdom that feels deeply relevant to modern seekers, bridging ancient mysticism with contemporary spiritual understanding. It encourages us to look within, trust the process of life, and recognise our fundamental connection to what we seek.
How can I apply Rumi’s concept to my daily life
To apply Rumi’s concept of “what you seek is seeking you” to your daily life, consider the following practices:
Cultivate Mindfulness
Incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine can help you become more attuned to opportunities and synchronicities aligned with your desires. Some effective techniques include:
Meditation: Practice daily meditation to quiet your mind and connect with your inner self. This can help you access deeper insights and intuitions about what you truly seek.
Mindful Seeing: Take time each day to observe your surroundings with fresh eyes, as if seeing things for the first time. This can help you notice signs and opportunities you might otherwise miss.
Body Scan: Regularly check in with your physical sensations to become more aware of how your body responds to different situations and ideas. This can provide valuable guidance in pursuing what you seek.
Self-Reflection
Engage in regular self-reflection to gain clarity on your true desires and aspirations:
Journaling: Set aside time each day to write about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. This can help you identify patterns and uncover deeper truths about what you’re seeking.
Ask Yourself Questions: Regularly ask yourself probing questions like “What are my top priorities?” or “What have I learned from my recent experiences?” This can help you stay aligned with your true desires.
Take Inspired Action
While trusting that what you seek is also seeking you, it’s important to take inspired action:
Follow Your Interests: When something sparks your curiosity or excitement, explore it further. This can lead you to unexpected opportunities and connections.
Share Your Gifts: Focus on giving your unique talents and perspectives to the world.This can attract people and opportunities that resonate with your authentic self.
Dream Big: Allow your imagination to explore grand possibilities without self-imposed limitations. This openness can attract unexpected avenues for fulfilling your desires.
Cultivate Trust and Gratitude
Develop a sense of trust in the process of life and practice gratitude:
Practice Non-Attachment: Let go of rigid expectations about how your desires should manifest. This flexibility allows for serendipitous encounters and unexpected opportunities.
Express Gratitude: Regularly acknowledge and appreciate the good in your life. This positive focus can attract more positive experiences aligned with your desires.By incorporating these practices into your daily life, you can create a mindset and lifestyle that is more receptive to the mutual seeking described in Rumi’s concept. Remember, it’s about balancing active pursuit with open receptivity to the opportunities and synchronicities that life presents.
What are some ways to apply Rumi’s concept of “what you are seeking is seeking you” in my career
Applying Rumi’s concept of “what you are seeking is seeking you” to your career can be a powerful way to align your professional life with your true passions and purpose. Here are some ways to incorporate this philosophy into your career journey:
Cultivate Self-Awareness
Developing a deep understanding of yourself is crucial for aligning your career with your true desires:
Reflect on Your Passions: Regularly take time to identify what truly excites and energizes you in your work. This can help you recognize opportunities that resonate with your authentic self.
Identify Your Strengths: Focus on developing and leveraging your natural talents. When you work in areas that align with your strengths, you’re more likely to excel and find fulfilment.
Trust Your Intuition
Learning to trust your inner guidance can lead you to unexpected but fulfilling career paths:
Listen to Your “Inner GPS”: Pay attention to your gut feelings about career decisions. Often, your intuition can guide you towards opportunities that align with your deeper purpose.
Follow Your Joy: When you experience joy or passion in certain aspects of your work, it’s often a sign that you’re aligned with your purpose. Pursue projects and roles that bring you this sense of fulfilment.
Take Inspired Action
While trusting the process, it’s important to take proactive steps towards your career goals:
Pursue Continuous Learning: Stay open to new knowledge and skills related to your interests. This can prepare you for opportunities that align with your aspirations.
Network Authentically: Connect with people who share your passions or work in fields that interest you. These connections can often lead to unexpected career opportunities.
Embrace Flexibility
Being open to different paths can help you recognise opportunities that align with your true calling:
Remain Open to Possibilities: Don’t limit yourself to a rigid career plan. Be willing to explore unexpected opportunities that resonate with your values and interests.
Trust the Process: Have faith that as you move towards your goals, the right opportunities will present themselves. Focus on the “what” of your career aspirations rather than obsessing over the “how”.
Practice Mindfulness
Incorporating mindfulness into your work life can help you stay attuned to your true desires and recognise aligned opportunities:
Meditate Regularly: Meditation can help you connect with your inner guidance and gain clarity on your career path.
Practice Present-Moment Awareness: Stay fully engaged in your current work, as this can lead to insights and opportunities you might otherwise miss.By applying these principles, you can create a career that not only aligns with your skills and interests but also fulfils your deeper sense of purpose. Remember, as Rumi suggests, when you move towards what truly calls you, the universe often conspires to help you achieve it.
A note on the quote:
“What you are seeking is seeking you as well” attributed directly to Rumi. However, there are similar concepts expressed in Rumi’s poetry that convey a similar meaning. Here are a few relevant points:
- The most commonly cited Rumi quote that expresses this idea is:
“What you seek is seeking you.”This shorter version appears to be the one most frequently attributed to Rumi across various sources.
- The full context of this idea is often presented in a longer poem, translated as:
“When I run after what I think I want, my days are a furnace of distress and anxiety.
If I sit in my own place of patience, what I need flows to me, without pain.
From this I understand that what I want also wants me, is looking for me and attracting me.”
- It’s important to note that many quotes attributed to Rumi on the internet are not always accurately sourced or translated. Some may be modern interpretations or paraphrases of his ideas rather than direct translations of his original Persian poetry.
- The concept behind this quote aligns with Rumi’s broader spiritual teachings about trusting in divine providence and the interconnectedness of all things.
- In Sufi tradition, which heavily influenced Rumi’s work, there’s an emphasis on the idea that what we truly seek (often interpreted as spiritual truth or divine love) is also seeking us.
While the exact phrasing “What you are seeking is seeking you as well” may not be found in Rumi’s original works, the sentiment is certainly consistent with his teachings and poetry. The shorter version “What you seek is seeking you” appears to be the most commonly accepted form of this quote attributed to Rumi.
and finally,
“Yesterday I was clever,
so I wanted to change the world.
Today I am wise,
so I am changing myself.”
Rumi