1 00:00:00,599 --> 00:00:07,770 Rumi, also known as Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi, was a 13th-century Persian poet, Islamic 2 00:00:07,770 --> 00:00:09,960 jurist, and theologian. 3 00:00:09,960 --> 00:00:15,919 His works, particularly his collection of mystical poetry known as the "Masnavi”, 4 00:00:15,919 --> 00:00:21,859 have had a profound influence on literature, spirituality, and the understanding of the 5 00:00:21,859 --> 00:00:23,980 human experience. 6 00:00:23,980 --> 00:00:30,510 Rumi's teachings are deeply rooted in Sufism, which is the mystical branch of Islam. 7 00:00:30,510 --> 00:00:36,320 Sufism emphasizes the inward journey of the soul towards union with the divine. 8 00:00:36,320 --> 00:00:42,800 It focuses on experiencing the presence of God, attaining spiritual enlightenment, and 9 00:00:42,800 --> 00:00:45,570 cultivating a deep love and connection with the Divine. 10 00:00:45,570 --> 00:00:53,480 At the core of Rumi's teachings lies the profound significance of being fully present and embracing 11 00:00:53,480 --> 00:00:57,500 the present moment with joy and awareness. 12 00:00:57,500 --> 00:01:02,120 It is within the realm of the present that we unlock our spiritual potential and the 13 00:01:02,120 --> 00:01:06,479 boundless possibilities of life itself. 14 00:01:06,479 --> 00:01:12,640 So with that in mind, let’s explore five teachings from Mawlana Jalal ad-Din Rumi on 15 00:01:12,640 --> 00:01:19,430 how to savor and enjoy the present moment. 16 00:01:19,430 --> 00:01:26,210 Free yourself from the burdens of the past and the anxieties of the future 17 00:01:26,210 --> 00:01:34,220 Rumi says "Its good to leave each day behind, like flowing water, free of sadness. 18 00:01:34,220 --> 00:01:37,790 Yesterday is gone and its tale told. 19 00:01:37,790 --> 00:01:40,030 Today new seeds are growing.” 20 00:01:40,030 --> 00:01:46,510 Among the many tales that are narrated about Rumi’s life, there’s one that captures 21 00:01:46,510 --> 00:01:48,920 the essence of enjoying the present moment. 22 00:01:48,920 --> 00:01:53,890 One day, a man came to Rumi to cry his sorrows. 23 00:01:53,890 --> 00:01:58,600 To enlighten him, Rumi took him to a river to watch the beautiful water flowing. 24 00:01:58,600 --> 00:02:03,050 He then told him: "Do you see how the water flows? 25 00:02:03,050 --> 00:02:07,240 It does not worry about what is behind it or what is ahead of it. 26 00:02:07,240 --> 00:02:12,450 It simply flows in the present moment, knowing that it will reach its destination." 27 00:02:12,450 --> 00:02:19,129 Rumi's story provided a concrete example of the importance of being present in the moment 28 00:02:19,129 --> 00:02:23,190 and letting go of things that can take us away from the present. 29 00:02:23,190 --> 00:02:28,530 This anecdote, whether it actually happened or not, is a powerful representation of how 30 00:02:28,530 --> 00:02:34,459 Rumi alleviated the pain and anxiety of others, and his deep spiritual connection to the present 31 00:02:34,459 --> 00:02:35,480 moment. 32 00:02:35,480 --> 00:02:41,239 His teachings continue to inspire people to embrace the present and let go of worries 33 00:02:41,239 --> 00:02:45,560 about the future or regrets from the past. 34 00:02:45,560 --> 00:02:49,680 It's possible that you haven't yet achieved the level of success you had hoped for at 35 00:02:49,680 --> 00:02:51,599 this point in your life. 36 00:02:51,599 --> 00:02:57,159 Maybe you expected to be a millionaire, a successful doctor, or a renowned public speaker 37 00:02:57,159 --> 00:02:58,159 by now. 38 00:02:58,159 --> 00:03:02,580 But why let that disappointment affect your day? 39 00:03:02,580 --> 00:03:07,750 Instead of dwelling on what hasn't happened yet, focus on what you can do now to achieve 40 00:03:07,750 --> 00:03:09,790 your goals in the future. 41 00:03:09,790 --> 00:03:15,859 The future is inherently unknown, which can be both a curse and a blessing. 42 00:03:15,859 --> 00:03:20,780 It's impossible to predict what it holds, but it may offer greater opportunities than 43 00:03:20,780 --> 00:03:24,819 you had ever imagined at the right time. 44 00:03:24,819 --> 00:03:30,580 Of course, it's important to hope for a beautiful and prosperous future full of success, but 45 00:03:30,580 --> 00:03:32,989 don't become obsessed with it. 46 00:03:32,989 --> 00:03:37,960 It's crucial to avoid letting the future take over your present. 47 00:03:37,960 --> 00:03:44,430 The present moment is like a free man and it doesn't like being overshadowed or controlled. 48 00:03:44,430 --> 00:03:50,319 So, focus on taking action in the present to work towards your goals and let the future 49 00:03:50,319 --> 00:03:53,150 unfold naturally. 50 00:03:53,150 --> 00:03:58,840 Imagine standing in the midst of a desert, gazing at the magnificent dunes before you. 51 00:03:58,840 --> 00:04:03,620 But instead of relishing the beauty of the moment, you're fretting over the possibility 52 00:04:03,620 --> 00:04:05,370 of a sandstorm. 53 00:04:05,370 --> 00:04:11,380 You're so consumed by the fear of the unknown future that it blinds you to the present. 54 00:04:11,380 --> 00:04:16,609 Similarly, dwelling on the past can prevent you from truly living. 55 00:04:16,609 --> 00:04:21,799 Imagine the victims of a tornado who are unable to move on from the tragedy. 56 00:04:21,799 --> 00:04:26,840 The past is like a storm that has passed, but it's up to us to decide whether we want 57 00:04:26,840 --> 00:04:32,630 to remain uprooted or plant ourselves again and grow anew. 58 00:04:32,630 --> 00:04:37,250 While it's important to learn from the past and prepare for the future, the present is 59 00:04:37,250 --> 00:04:39,660 where we truly exist. 60 00:04:39,660 --> 00:04:44,400 It demands our attention, our focus, and our energy. 61 00:04:44,400 --> 00:04:49,949 It deserves our love, our life, and our laughter. 62 00:04:49,949 --> 00:04:55,360 By being fully present in the moment, we can experience life to the fullest. 63 00:04:55,360 --> 00:05:00,030 Don't let the past or the future overshadow the present. 64 00:05:00,030 --> 00:05:04,759 Embrace the present and it will treat you like royalty. 65 00:05:04,759 --> 00:05:06,789 2. 66 00:05:06,789 --> 00:05:09,440 Quiet your mind 67 00:05:09,440 --> 00:05:16,360 In the words of Rumi “The quieter you become, the more you are able to hear." 68 00:05:16,360 --> 00:05:22,040 One day, Rumi was walking with one of his students through a busy market that was jovial 69 00:05:22,040 --> 00:05:23,889 and ceremonial. 70 00:05:23,889 --> 00:05:29,830 The student, taken by the atmosphere, noticed that Rumi remained quiet as if there was nothing 71 00:05:29,830 --> 00:05:31,449 around him. 72 00:05:31,449 --> 00:05:37,650 The student then asked him about his demeanor, and Rumi’s answer was one for the ages. 73 00:05:37,650 --> 00:05:45,850 He told him that he was listening to something more amazing, which is the sound of the universe. 74 00:05:45,850 --> 00:05:52,210 The student, perplexed, asked him about how one can hear the sound of the universe. 75 00:05:52,210 --> 00:05:59,030 And Rumi explained: "When we quiet our minds and become still, we can hear the music of 76 00:05:59,030 --> 00:06:00,069 the universe. 77 00:06:00,069 --> 00:06:06,190 It is always there, but we are usually too busy and distracted to hear it. 78 00:06:06,190 --> 00:06:11,210 The quieter we become, the more we are able to hear it." 79 00:06:11,210 --> 00:06:17,900 Rumi's teachings remind us that true fulfillment comes from cultivating inner wisdom, compassion, 80 00:06:17,900 --> 00:06:23,920 and love, rather than external accomplishments or material possessions. 81 00:06:23,920 --> 00:06:29,110 He invites us to explore the depths of our own being and discover the hidden treasures 82 00:06:29,110 --> 00:06:31,050 that lie within. 83 00:06:31,050 --> 00:06:37,580 In today's world, we are constantly bombarded with distractions that make it difficult to 84 00:06:37,580 --> 00:06:41,070 connect with the deeper aspects of our lives. 85 00:06:41,070 --> 00:06:46,180 Our attention spans have become shorter, and we often feel trapped in a cycle of distraction 86 00:06:46,180 --> 00:06:48,210 and disconnection. 87 00:06:48,210 --> 00:06:54,289 To apply Rumi's lessons in our modern-day lives, we can start by prioritizing stillness, 88 00:06:54,289 --> 00:06:56,350 focus, and calmness. 89 00:06:56,350 --> 00:07:02,069 By taking time to cultivate inner peace and mindfulness, we can connect with our true 90 00:07:02,069 --> 00:07:05,470 selves and find a sense of purpose. 91 00:07:05,470 --> 00:07:12,740 An example of this would be setting aside 10-15 minutes each day to practice meditation. 92 00:07:12,740 --> 00:07:19,170 During this time, you can focus on your breath and observe your inner thoughts without judgment. 93 00:07:19,170 --> 00:07:24,360 By regularly practicing meditation, you can develop a greater sense of self-awareness 94 00:07:24,360 --> 00:07:27,410 and become more attuned to the present moment. 95 00:07:27,410 --> 00:07:34,290 This can help you to feel more centered and calm, even in the midst of a busy and chaotic 96 00:07:34,290 --> 00:07:35,460 day. 97 00:07:35,460 --> 00:07:41,820 Similarly, practicing yoga, journaling or any form of prayer can also help to cultivate 98 00:07:41,820 --> 00:07:44,729 mindfulness in your daily life. 99 00:07:44,729 --> 00:07:50,930 Rumi's teachings invite us to embark on a profound spiritual journey of self-discovery 100 00:07:50,930 --> 00:07:53,550 and union with the divine. 101 00:07:53,550 --> 00:07:58,740 By embracing the fullness and richness of our human experience and exploring the depths 102 00:07:58,740 --> 00:08:05,889 of our own being, we can discover the true treasures of life and live with greater authenticity 103 00:08:05,889 --> 00:08:08,639 and intentionality. 104 00:08:08,639 --> 00:08:11,020 3. 105 00:08:11,020 --> 00:08:14,349 Embrace the beauty of the present moment 106 00:08:14,349 --> 00:08:21,160 To quote Rumi: "My friend, the sufi is the son of the present moment: to say "tomorrow" 107 00:08:21,160 --> 00:08:24,220 is not our way." 108 00:08:24,220 --> 00:08:30,080 Rumi's life was forever changed by a special person - Shams Tabrizi. 109 00:08:30,080 --> 00:08:37,140 Without him, Rumi may not have become the renowned Sufi figure that we know him as today. 110 00:08:37,140 --> 00:08:44,860 Shams opened the door of Sufism to Rumi, who was previously known only as a religious scholar. 111 00:08:44,860 --> 00:08:49,690 Rumi and Shams had a brotherly relationship that was so strong and spiritual, and the 112 00:08:49,690 --> 00:08:55,560 teachings coming out of Shams were so enlightening that Rumi neglected his students, and even 113 00:08:55,560 --> 00:09:02,070 his family at a certain point, all to spend time absorbing as much teaching as possible 114 00:09:02,070 --> 00:09:04,010 from Shams. 115 00:09:04,010 --> 00:09:09,519 Today we look at it as a great time for Rumi to turn into this larger-than-life figure 116 00:09:09,519 --> 00:09:16,230 and Sufism pioneer, but at that time, it raised a lot of eyebrows and inspired jealousy and 117 00:09:16,230 --> 00:09:18,490 contempt toward Shams. 118 00:09:18,490 --> 00:09:23,880 However, although Rumi was aware of that, it didn’t stop him from clinging to what 119 00:09:23,880 --> 00:09:25,500 he had at that time. 120 00:09:25,500 --> 00:09:31,250 He tightly held to his relationship with Shams because unlike what the external world was 121 00:09:31,250 --> 00:09:37,250 thinking about it, Rumi was taken by the present moment and made sure to make the most out 122 00:09:37,250 --> 00:09:38,670 of it. 123 00:09:38,670 --> 00:09:43,959 Although that could have cost him his family, his students, and his reputation tomorrow, 124 00:09:43,959 --> 00:09:49,770 tomorrow was not guaranteeing him he’ll have a better-quality time, more enlightening 125 00:09:49,770 --> 00:09:52,550 teachings, or even a better relationship. 126 00:09:52,550 --> 00:09:55,420 And Rumi was right for doing so. 127 00:09:55,420 --> 00:10:01,200 Because decades after it, people recognized the greatness of Rumi the Sufist. 128 00:10:01,200 --> 00:10:07,290 And centuries later, people are still chanting his name, and his poems, and feeding into 129 00:10:07,290 --> 00:10:09,180 his wisdom. 130 00:10:09,180 --> 00:10:13,899 The future often appears to be a trade-off for the present moment. 131 00:10:13,899 --> 00:10:18,970 Many people view what they have in their hands as disposable, assuming that the future holds 132 00:10:18,970 --> 00:10:20,720 something better. 133 00:10:20,720 --> 00:10:26,300 While that may turn out to be true, it's important to remember that the future is unknown and 134 00:10:26,300 --> 00:10:28,070 uncertain. 135 00:10:28,070 --> 00:10:33,680 We should not sacrifice the present, which is a known quantity in our hands, for a future 136 00:10:33,680 --> 00:10:37,230 that we may never witness if our lives are cut short. 137 00:10:37,230 --> 00:10:42,740 The secrets of the future should be left to destiny, and we should embrace the beauty 138 00:10:42,740 --> 00:10:45,130 of the present moment. 139 00:10:45,130 --> 00:10:49,959 Many people believe that they can only do something worthwhile during the weekend, when 140 00:10:49,959 --> 00:10:52,390 they have ample time to spare. 141 00:10:52,390 --> 00:10:56,750 They dismiss the three or four hours they have after work and fail to realize that they 142 00:10:56,750 --> 00:10:59,370 still have time in front of them. 143 00:10:59,370 --> 00:11:01,820 But why dismiss the present moment? 144 00:11:01,820 --> 00:11:07,139 This misconception can even be applied to a larger scale, where people dismiss years 145 00:11:07,139 --> 00:11:12,320 of their lives, hoping for perfect conditions in the future to act. 146 00:11:12,320 --> 00:11:16,530 However, they forget that action is rooted in the present. 147 00:11:16,530 --> 00:11:23,820 So, we must embrace the present and take action now, rather than waiting for an ideal moment 148 00:11:23,820 --> 00:11:25,389 that may never come. 149 00:11:25,389 --> 00:11:31,130 For example imagine a scenario where a group of friends is planning a reunion trip. 150 00:11:31,130 --> 00:11:37,670 They all share a deep desire to spend quality time together and create lasting memories. 151 00:11:37,670 --> 00:11:44,430 However, one friend, Sarah, constantly postpones making any concrete plans for the trip. 152 00:11:44,430 --> 00:11:49,740 She believes that the ideal conditions for the reunion will only be present in the future, 153 00:11:49,740 --> 00:11:55,570 such as when she has more vacation days or when the group can afford a luxurious destination. 154 00:11:55,570 --> 00:12:00,860 As a result, months go by with no progress, and the reunion becomes nothing more than 155 00:12:00,860 --> 00:12:02,579 a distant dream. 156 00:12:02,579 --> 00:12:08,250 Meanwhile, the other friends, Jon, Mark, and Lisa, realize that they don't want to wait 157 00:12:08,250 --> 00:12:10,610 indefinitely for the perfect moment. 158 00:12:10,610 --> 00:12:16,650 They decide to take action in the present and make the most of the time they have. 159 00:12:16,650 --> 00:12:21,040 The three of them meet up for a casual dinner after work to discuss the reunion. 160 00:12:21,040 --> 00:12:27,420 They spend some time brainstorming ideas, sharing their excitement, and making preliminary 161 00:12:27,420 --> 00:12:28,610 plans. 162 00:12:28,610 --> 00:12:33,070 Mark proposes that they go for a hike on the upcoming weekend to strengthen their bond 163 00:12:33,070 --> 00:12:35,350 and reconnect with nature. 164 00:12:35,350 --> 00:12:40,480 Lisa suggests organizing a video call to catch up with Sarah and make her feel involved in 165 00:12:40,480 --> 00:12:41,870 the process. 166 00:12:41,870 --> 00:12:47,230 These small actions not only bring joy and anticipation to the present moment but also 167 00:12:47,230 --> 00:12:49,030 keep the momentum going. 168 00:12:49,030 --> 00:12:53,190 They remind the group that they don't have to wait for everything to align perfectly 169 00:12:53,190 --> 00:12:58,670 before experiencing the beauty of their friendship and the joy of being together. 170 00:12:58,670 --> 00:13:03,680 Eventually, Sarah begins to realize that she has been dismissing the present in her pursuit 171 00:13:03,680 --> 00:13:06,510 of the "perfect" future conditions. 172 00:13:06,510 --> 00:13:11,149 She sees how her friends are enjoying each other's company, embracing the present, and 173 00:13:11,149 --> 00:13:14,760 actively working towards their shared goals. 174 00:13:14,760 --> 00:13:20,100 Inspired by their actions, Sarah decides to join them in taking small steps towards making 175 00:13:20,100 --> 00:13:22,579 the reunion a reality. 176 00:13:22,579 --> 00:13:25,980 In the end, the reunion trip does happen. 177 00:13:25,980 --> 00:13:31,140 It might not be as extravagant as Sarah initially envisioned, but the memories created and the 178 00:13:31,140 --> 00:13:35,899 bonds strengthened far surpass any notion of perfection. 179 00:13:35,899 --> 00:13:41,310 The friends learn that the present moment is where the real beauty lies, and by acting 180 00:13:41,310 --> 00:13:46,779 now, they are able to fully embrace the wonders of their friendship and create meaningful 181 00:13:46,779 --> 00:13:48,970 experiences together. 182 00:13:48,970 --> 00:13:54,170 We don't need to spend hours strategizing or planning big moves to enjoy life's beauty. 183 00:13:54,170 --> 00:13:59,030 Sometimes, a simple walk in the park or a lengthy phone call with a loved one is enough 184 00:13:59,030 --> 00:14:02,040 to remind us of the beauty of life. 185 00:14:02,040 --> 00:14:07,199 And sometimes, a funny movie that makes us laugh out loud can be all it takes to appreciate 186 00:14:07,199 --> 00:14:08,990 the world around us. 187 00:14:08,990 --> 00:14:14,779 We can also set aside time each day to disconnect from technology and social media and engage 188 00:14:14,779 --> 00:14:21,389 in activities that nourish our souls, such as spending time in nature, reading, or spending 189 00:14:21,389 --> 00:14:23,310 time with loved ones. 190 00:14:23,310 --> 00:14:31,210 The present is a thing of beauty, and by acting today, we can fully embrace its wonders. 191 00:14:31,210 --> 00:14:32,500 4. 192 00:14:32,500 --> 00:14:37,829 ​​Be fully engaged in your life’s experiences 193 00:14:37,829 --> 00:14:45,680 Rumi teaches us to "Let yourself be silently drawn by the stronger pull of what you love. 194 00:14:45,680 --> 00:14:49,199 It will not lead you astray." 195 00:14:49,199 --> 00:14:55,860 One day, Rumi was walking with his disciples, unfazed, and then he heard a sound that drew 196 00:14:55,860 --> 00:14:58,170 him like a magnet. 197 00:14:58,170 --> 00:15:02,740 It was a blacksmith hitting the iron to give birth to his steel creation. 198 00:15:02,740 --> 00:15:09,829 That sound, that clash between the hammer and the iron was like music to Mawlana’s 199 00:15:09,829 --> 00:15:10,829 ears. 200 00:15:10,829 --> 00:15:18,240 So he started dancing to it, whirling and going round and round, taken by that music. 201 00:15:18,240 --> 00:15:24,060 Everyone kept looking at him, some were bothered, others were mesmerized, and the blacksmith 202 00:15:24,060 --> 00:15:29,880 kept going purposely to not interrupt Rumi’s moment of pure joy. 203 00:15:29,880 --> 00:15:36,240 Perhaps for someone else, that is just some annoying sound, but for Rumi, that was a call 204 00:15:36,240 --> 00:15:44,149 for love, a call to express his inner world and true self, and a door to let his spirituality 205 00:15:44,149 --> 00:15:45,160 thrive. 206 00:15:45,160 --> 00:15:51,790 In fact, it was in this moment of trance-like sufist whirling that he gave birth to the 207 00:15:51,790 --> 00:15:57,139 famous spiritual dance we know today as The Whirling Dervish. 208 00:15:57,139 --> 00:16:02,709 As human beings, everyone has what they love, what they want to become, and what ignites 209 00:16:02,709 --> 00:16:04,610 their love of life. 210 00:16:04,610 --> 00:16:09,000 Maybe you are at your best when you find a beautiful spot in the open air, at night, 211 00:16:09,000 --> 00:16:14,310 with the moon over your head, all for me to grab your pen and write the most beautiful 212 00:16:14,310 --> 00:16:17,269 poems or deepest thoughts. 213 00:16:17,269 --> 00:16:22,259 Maybe someone else is taken away when they are drawing the most abstract pieces of art, 214 00:16:22,259 --> 00:16:24,959 even though people wouldn’t understand it. 215 00:16:24,959 --> 00:16:29,700 The examples are many, but the conclusion is one. 216 00:16:29,700 --> 00:16:36,170 Find what catches your breath and makes time stop for you, regardless of what people think. 217 00:16:36,170 --> 00:16:41,780 In life there’s surviving, there’s living, and there’s thriving. 218 00:16:41,780 --> 00:16:45,220 And the last one is when you’re actually having quality time. 219 00:16:45,220 --> 00:16:50,940 It’s when you immerse yourself in what you love, and live your experiences to the fullest. 220 00:16:50,940 --> 00:16:55,970 It’s when people need to wake you up while you’re awake, because your attention was 221 00:16:55,970 --> 00:16:59,459 entirely consumed by something you love. 222 00:16:59,459 --> 00:17:05,010 So today, even if you haven't yet discovered what truly captivates you and gives meaning 223 00:17:05,010 --> 00:17:09,049 to your life, it's perfectly alright. 224 00:17:09,049 --> 00:17:16,530 Explore diverse activities, try new experiences, and invest time in discovering your passions. 225 00:17:16,530 --> 00:17:21,329 Through this exploration, you will eventually uncover the right path and the experiences 226 00:17:21,329 --> 00:17:23,809 that resonate with your soul. 227 00:17:23,809 --> 00:17:32,110 Once you find what you love, immerse yourself in it wholeheartedly and let yourself thrive. 228 00:17:32,110 --> 00:17:34,600 5. 229 00:17:34,600 --> 00:17:40,020 Cultivate gratitude In our final quote from Rumi for this video, 230 00:17:40,020 --> 00:17:47,990 he says "Wear gratitude like a cloak and it will feed every corner of your life." 231 00:17:47,990 --> 00:17:54,030 Gratitude is akin to the warm rays of sunlight that grace our faces on a beautiful day. 232 00:17:54,030 --> 00:17:59,810 Its essence is unmistakable when encountered in someone's life, and Rumi embodied this 233 00:17:59,810 --> 00:18:01,890 deep sense of gratitude. 234 00:18:01,890 --> 00:18:07,390 His very presence reflected a profound appreciation for all that he had been blessed with. 235 00:18:07,390 --> 00:18:13,549 Despite the adoration and accolades showered upon him, Rumi remained remarkably humble. 236 00:18:13,549 --> 00:18:19,300 He found solace and joy in the simplest of things, for his gratitude knew no conditions 237 00:18:19,300 --> 00:18:21,610 or limitations. 238 00:18:21,610 --> 00:18:25,200 The beauty of Rumi's journey is that his attainment of loveable, respected stature becoming renowned, 239 00:18:25,200 --> 00:18:29,250 respected and beloved was not a calculated pursuit. 240 00:18:29,250 --> 00:18:34,570 Rather, it was the natural consequence of his deep gratitude and sincere interactions 241 00:18:34,570 --> 00:18:36,120 with others. 242 00:18:36,120 --> 00:18:42,299 Rumi's gratitude shaped his character, transforming him into an endearing and revered scholar, 243 00:18:42,299 --> 00:18:45,299 and later, a spiritual leader. 244 00:18:45,299 --> 00:18:50,810 It was through his unwavering gratitude that he drew people towards him. 245 00:18:50,810 --> 00:18:57,039 He possessed the remarkable ability to make everyone he encountered feel valued and cherished. 246 00:18:57,039 --> 00:19:02,900 This genuine expression of gratitude not only endeared him to others but also allowed him 247 00:19:02,900 --> 00:19:06,070 to touch countless lives. 248 00:19:06,070 --> 00:19:11,870 Gratitude molded him into an embodiment of love and appreciation, magnetizing people 249 00:19:11,870 --> 00:19:14,909 to his teachings and wisdom. 250 00:19:14,909 --> 00:19:19,730 Rumi's example teaches us the transformative power of gratitude. 251 00:19:19,730 --> 00:19:24,990 When we cultivate gratitude in our lives, it shapes our character, elevates our interactions 252 00:19:24,990 --> 00:19:31,510 with others, and draws forth a sense of authenticity that is irresistible. 253 00:19:31,510 --> 00:19:37,850 Gratitude has the ability to ignite a profound inner shift, making us more present, loving, 254 00:19:37,850 --> 00:19:41,760 and attuned to the blessings that surround us. 255 00:19:41,760 --> 00:19:47,570 What you possess today is meant for you, and what you lack is not yet meant to be yours. 256 00:19:47,570 --> 00:19:52,500 It is possible to desire more, and perhaps tomorrow you will have more. 257 00:19:52,500 --> 00:20:00,020 However, do not let the potential gains of tomorrow overshadow the actual gains of today. 258 00:20:00,020 --> 00:20:04,240 It is with today's blessings that you move forward and progress. 259 00:20:04,240 --> 00:20:08,540 So, embrace and appreciate what you have in the present moment. 260 00:20:08,540 --> 00:20:14,299 At times, the challenges of life can lead us to despise our current possessions. 261 00:20:14,299 --> 00:20:21,110 For instance, imagine someone earning $150 a day, yet their sole focus is on earning 262 00:20:21,110 --> 00:20:23,679 an extra $150. 263 00:20:23,679 --> 00:20:27,851 When they receive their initial $150, they may not even acknowledge it. 264 00:20:27,851 --> 00:20:34,450 Instead, it becomes a source of irritation, a reminder of their dissatisfaction with their 265 00:20:34,450 --> 00:20:35,740 current state. 266 00:20:35,740 --> 00:20:43,039 Yet, isn't that very 150 bucks what provides food on their table, a warm shelter, and basic 267 00:20:43,039 --> 00:20:44,830 necessities? 268 00:20:44,830 --> 00:20:51,470 While striving for financial improvement is important, those $150 are sustaining them 269 00:20:51,470 --> 00:20:53,460 in the present moment. 270 00:20:53,460 --> 00:20:59,049 Conversely, another person might become so wealthy that they dismiss and disregard their 271 00:20:59,049 --> 00:21:01,660 possessions, always yearning for more. 272 00:21:01,660 --> 00:21:07,179 However, if one fails to appreciate what they have, life may one day present them with a 273 00:21:07,179 --> 00:21:10,180 setback, causing them to lose some of their belongings. 274 00:21:10,180 --> 00:21:16,190 Only then, in hindsight, will they recognize the importance of what they had and downgrade 275 00:21:16,190 --> 00:21:17,630 their desires. 276 00:21:17,630 --> 00:21:22,549 Therefore, if you aspire for more tomorrow, go ahead and pursue it. 277 00:21:22,549 --> 00:21:24,810 The world is open to you. 278 00:21:24,810 --> 00:21:31,210 But until that day dawns, as long as today's sun has not set, be grateful for what you 279 00:21:31,210 --> 00:21:35,270 have and view it with tenderness. 280 00:21:35,270 --> 00:21:40,350 This sentiment extends beyond material possessions to relationships as well. 281 00:21:40,350 --> 00:21:46,860 If you find yourself alone and desire companionship tomorrow, appreciate your solitude today and 282 00:21:46,860 --> 00:21:49,529 make the most of your personal time. 283 00:21:49,529 --> 00:21:55,720 If you are unemployed and long for work, cherish your free time today and invest it wisely. 284 00:21:55,720 --> 00:22:01,600 If you are facing illness today, be grateful for the abilities you still possess – the 285 00:22:01,600 --> 00:22:05,620 ability to walk, to think, to eat and drink. 286 00:22:05,620 --> 00:22:11,309 Seek things to be grateful for that are not necessarily visible to the eyes but are recognized 287 00:22:11,309 --> 00:22:12,799 by the soul. 288 00:22:12,799 --> 00:22:18,140 Furthermore, practicing gratitude in your daily life can significantly contribute to 289 00:22:18,140 --> 00:22:19,740 your overall well-being. 290 00:22:19,740 --> 00:22:24,120 Take a few moments each day to write down three things you are grateful for. 291 00:22:24,120 --> 00:22:28,779 It could be something as simple as a beautiful sunset, a supportive friend, or a delicious 292 00:22:28,779 --> 00:22:29,779 meal. 293 00:22:29,779 --> 00:22:35,039 By focusing on the positives, you shift your mindset towards appreciation and cultivate 294 00:22:35,039 --> 00:22:36,910 a sense of contentment. 295 00:22:36,910 --> 00:22:42,210 Moreover, consider writing a gratitude letter to someone once a week. 296 00:22:42,210 --> 00:22:47,100 Expressing your gratitude to others not only brings joy to their lives but also deepens 297 00:22:47,100 --> 00:22:50,020 your own sense of appreciation. 298 00:22:50,020 --> 00:22:55,200 Reflect on the impact that person has had on your life and share your heartfelt appreciation 299 00:22:55,200 --> 00:22:56,430 in a letter. 300 00:22:56,430 --> 00:23:02,929 It can be a powerful practice that not only fosters gratitude but also strengthens relationships, 301 00:23:02,929 --> 00:23:05,409 and promotes a more positive outlook. 302 00:23:05,409 --> 00:23:12,270 In cultivating gratitude, we unlock a profound appreciation for the intangible blessings 303 00:23:12,270 --> 00:23:15,559 that envelop us. 304 00:23:15,559 --> 00:23:19,390 If you enjoyed this video, please make sure to check out our full philosophies for life 305 00:23:19,390 --> 00:23:24,559 playlist and for more videos to help you find success and happiness using ancient philosophical 306 00:23:24,559 --> 00:23:27,659 wisdom, don’t forget to subscribe. 307 00:23:27,659 --> 00:23:29,570 Thanks so much for watching.