Open Secret

“Learn the Alchemy

true human beings know.

The moment you accept

what troubles you’ve been given,

the door will open.”

~ Rumi

As part of my fledgling meditation practice, I have been reading “Broken Open, How Difficult Times Can Help Us Grow” by Elizabeth Lesser, and she quotes Rumi (a 13^th century Persian poet) extensively. There is this great chapter entitled “Open Secret” which starts with that Rumi quote. Her concept is really quite simple: we assume that we are unique in our eccentricities or failures or longings. So we try to appear as happy as we think others are and mask our doubts and insecurities. Only problem with that is that we put a lot of pressure on ourselves trying to keep these things a secret and we lose the opportunity to have others provide support or help.

So here’s the weird thing. Literally moments after reading that chapter a customer came into the store. Candace has been in many times before and while chatting about products she changed gears and asked me “How’s it going? Really, how are you doing?” While it’s no secret that this is a horrible economic time to be starting a retail store, I usually dance away from that question when asked by customers. But I took a deep breath and said “It’s been tough.” I’m learning a lot and we have some great days, but it’s hard to stay optimistic when there’s red ink (soooo much red ink) on your balance sheet!! I started talking about my plans and what I have been doing, and she started offering to connect me with others and what she could do to help bring in customers. No strings attached, just a genuine offer of help.

Who knew? It makes me think that maybe that chapter, and the whole book, was placed in my path at the time I needed it most. And that, when I accept the troubles – or challenges – that I have been given, the door WILL open.