How did the rose ever open its heart and give this world all of its beauty? It felt the encouragement of light against its being, otherwise we all remain too frightened. — Hafiz.
“The encouragement of light” is one of those phrases that hits me, and causes me to pause and think. It makes me think who in my life opened my heart and caused me to bloom. I think back on teachers, coaches, family, and friends who at a special moment gave me the encouragement to get past my fear and cause me to blossom.
I also wonder did I ever pass on the encouragement of light. Who in my life were the roses whose hearts were opened by my encouragement? I think oftentimes we never know the answer, but we can only hope we didn’t pass on the opportunity.
I’d also like to think that there are lots of roses left to bloom. There is a lot written about leadership by fear, but I think that’s a bunch of hooey. Hafiz’s words reminds us that very few roses blossom because they are afraid to open.
As you meditate over the weekend think about the roses you encouraged, and seek out a few more who are waiting on your encouragement of light.
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