Rumi Lesson 10
The cure for pain is in the pain.
-Rumi
Pain is often viewed as something we should try to avoid entirely, instead of an inevitability that we're forced to have an intimate relationship with. Understanding, and then nurturing the dynamics of that relationship is where we can begin to numb, or transmute the pain.
So the question becomes, what are these dynamics? Primarily, we need to identify the true cause and purpose of the pain we are experiencing, avoiding, or anticipating. Is it self-inflicted or is there an external factor? Is it just cause and effect or is it a sign we're on the right path? Or perhaps an opportunity for refinement, similar to the alchemist's flame.
Examining these relationships with what is usually classified as discomfort made me think of The Hanged Man tarot card.
In a position that is synonymous with pain and suffering, he is at peace, relaxed even. Its apparent that he's an observer, not a victim. He hangs upside down, symbolizing his views that are in opposition to his old self or what the common man considers right (sided). From this perspective he welcomes pain. Not because he enjoys it persay, but because he can't wait to beat it to the punch or transmute its forces.
The Hanged Man embodies this Rumi lesson and the constant recurring theme of the duality of pain & love in his writings. He shows us we must endure and/or sacrifice in order to receive Light.
Peace ✨
