Rumi's writings from the 1200s bring comfort, but not a cozy cocooning kind of comfort. His poems open doors and windows, letting out stale air, and bringing in awareness of the infinity of experiences available to us. Reading Rumi, one breathes in something bright and delicious.

There are many references in his writings to his friend and teacher, Shams-i Tabrizi. These include not only reflections on the brief time they shared, but his experiences of connection to his Friend after Shams departed. Reading these works made me think he saw his love for his teacher as a conduit to God's love.

I've looked for samples of Shams' works in the past with few results. Like many materials on the internet these days, there appears to have been some informal editing. Still, I'll share the quote below:

'The universe is one being. Everything and everyone is interconnected through an invisible web of stories. Whether we are aware of it or not, we are all in a silent conversation.'