Happy go! Lucky One
Ria got up. While getting ready, on the back of her mind was what she had read recently. Now, Ria is a chirpy college student, who is actually not into the Sufi path by choice but something is seemingly changing in her quietly.
The book she had stumbled upon in the library was filled with Sufi poems and teachings, its pages worn and edges frayed, suggesting it was much loved by previous readers. One verse in particular had caught her eye: “Kindness is the bridge between the soul and all that is sacred.” This line resonated with her, stirring something deep within.
On her way to class, Ria noticed an older man struggling with his groceries as they spilled onto the sidewalk. Students passed by, some too caught up in their own world to notice, others choosing to ignore. Ria, recalling the verse, approached the man. "Let me help you with those," she offered gently, picking up a fallen orange and handing it back to him.
The man looked up, his eyes crinkling at the edges as he smiled. "Thank you, dear. Most just walk on by." As they gathered his groceries together, he introduced himself as Mr. Hamid. He shared that he was a retired literature professor who had a fondness for Sufi poetry.
Intrigued, Ria asked if he had a favorite poet. "Rumi," he said without hesitation. "He writes, ‘Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.’"
The quote struck a chord with Ria. They continued talking as they walked to Mr. Hamid's nearby apartment. At his door, he invited her in for tea, an offer she accepted out of a mixture of curiosity and respect for his age and wisdom.
Inside, Mr. Hamid's home was filled with books on every conceivable subject, but the most extensive collection was of Sufi mystics. Over tea, they discussed life’s big questions and the importance of compassion and kindness in connecting with others. Mr. Hamid explained that in Sufism, the idea of seeing beyond oneself to the heart of others was crucial. "It's not just about being kind," he said, "it’s about recognizing that everyone you meet has a universe inside them, just as complex and worthy of kindness as your own."
Ria left Mr. Hamid's apartment feeling lighter and more thoughtful. She realized that her chance encounter wasn’t just about helping someone with groceries; it was a lesson in empathy and kindness, reflective of the Sufi belief that every interaction is a chance to connect with the divine in each other.
As the days turned into weeks, Ria found herself more aware of the moments of choice in her daily interactions. She began to understand that kindness wasn’t just an act, but a way of seeing the world, a principle deeply embedded in Sufi philosophy. It was not about changing the path she walked, but about changing how she walked it. And in this subtle transformation, Ria found a profound sense of peace and purpose, echoing the quiet stirrings that had first drawn her to the crinkled pages of that Sufi book.