Embracing the Depths of Love
“Hold to what you love deepest.” This poignant exhortation from Coleman Barks invites us to anchor ourselves in the profound currents of love that flow through our lives. In a world often marked by distraction and superficiality, this call to embrace our deepest affections serves as a reminder of the transformative power of love. It challenges us to discern what truly matters and to cultivate a life that reflects our most cherished values and connections.
At its core, this quote speaks to the essence of human experience, urging us to prioritize the relationships and passions that resonate with our innermost selves. Love, in its many forms, is not merely an emotion but a guiding force that shapes our identities and our paths. By holding steadfastly to what we love, we not only enrich our own lives but also contribute to the well-being of those around us, creating a ripple effect of compassion and understanding.
The image / the metaphor
The imagery in Barks's quote evokes a sense of both tenderness and strength. The verb “hold” suggests a conscious, active engagement with our loves, implying that they require our attention and care. This act of holding is not passive; it demands a commitment to nurture and protect what we hold dear. The phrase “what you love deepest” invites us to explore the layers of our affections, encouraging us to sift through the noise of daily life to uncover the treasures that lie within our hearts.
Diving deeper into the metaphor, we can see that holding is an act of grounding ourselves in the present moment. It implies a relationship with love that is both intimate and enduring. To hold onto something deeply is to recognize its significance in our lives, to allow it to shape our thoughts and actions. This act of holding can be seen as a form of devotion, a practice of mindfulness that invites us to remain aware of the love that sustains us, even amidst life’s inevitable challenges.
In the speaker's tradition
Coleman Barks, as a translator and interpreter of Rumi's work, draws from the rich tradition of Sufism, which emphasizes love as a central tenet of spiritual practice. In Sufi thought, love is often equated with divine presence, a force that connects the seeker to the essence of existence. Concepts such as “fana,” or the annihilation of the self in the love of the Divine, resonate deeply with Barks's call to hold onto what we love. This surrender to love allows us to transcend our individual desires and tap into a greater, universal love that binds all beings.
In Rumi's poetry, we find numerous references to the transformative power of love. For instance, in the famous lines, “The wound is the place where the Light enters you,” Rumi illustrates how love, even when it brings pain, ultimately leads to growth and enlightenment. This interplay between love and suffering underscores the importance of holding onto our deepest affections, as they are often the very catalysts for our spiritual evolution.
Living the teaching
Consider a modern scenario where this teaching resonates: a person grappling with the demands of a high-pressure job may find themselves drifting away from their passions and loved ones. In such moments, the reminder to “hold to what you love deepest” can serve as a powerful anchor. By consciously prioritizing time for family, creative pursuits, or personal well-being, they can reclaim a sense of balance and fulfillment, allowing love to guide their choices rather than the relentless pace of external expectations.
In the context of relationships, this teaching can manifest during difficult times. Imagine a couple facing a significant challenge, perhaps a disagreement that threatens to drive a wedge between them. By choosing to hold onto their love for one another—recognizing the depth of their commitment and shared history—they can navigate the conflict with compassion and understanding. This conscious act of holding onto love can transform potential discord into an opportunity for deeper connection and growth.
A reflection
As we contemplate Barks's profound words, we are invited to reflect on our own lives: What do we hold dear? What loves have we allowed to fade into the background? In a world filled with distractions, how can we cultivate a practice of holding onto what we love deepest? This contemplation not only encourages us to identify our core values but also challenges us to actively engage with them, nurturing the relationships and passions that bring us joy and meaning.
