THE DAZZLING STORY OF PRINCE RUMI or How the Universe Sometimes Conspires for Our Benefit
This is not my usual Vocal Technique oriented blog, but I felt compelled to write it. Hope you enjoy!
About three years ago I got a call from a member of a choir I was then directing. Knowing I have a propensity for collecting abandoned animals (especially beagles). She told me a small frightened beagle was found in her Atlanta neighborhood. He was rail thin, had a broken tooth, worms, and rope burns around his neck. He was terrified of people and was only captured when befriended by her dog. He was obviously fleeing a terrible life.
I took one look in his soulful brown eyes and knew I had to help even though I already had 3 dogs at the time. I was struck by the idea that he was doing the thing he knew to do- to escape an obviously abusive situation, and by his courage in doing so even though he was terrified.
Today I am reminded of that small frightened being as I watch “Prince Rumi” as he is now called (I named him after the Indian poet) His job is “official polite greeter” of students, mailmen, and all visitors. He has his own bed, but prefers mine. He has his own sun deck and an outdoor roofed house bigger than my bedroom. He is safe at last and happy, though easily startled by loud noises or exclamations like “ouch!” (he really picks up on emotions) He has a sister he loves and wrestles with (that would be Princess Mimi, a rescue from the Humane Society.) All in all, he is a happy boy now.
The Moral of the Story? What can we learn from Prince Rumi?
1. When you are stuck in a bad situation and feel like you have a rope around your neck, figure out any way you can to leave even if you don’t know what will happen next and can’t see how to make it work. Just take the next step.
2. Tell yourself “I know I deserve better than this, and I know I can do better than this, even if I don’t exactly know how I will do it yet.”
3. Know that life can turn on a dime, and sometimes the universe will help those that help themselves. Doing anything is better than doing nothing! Don’t stay stuck. Strike out and great forces will come to your aid when you least expect it.
4. You are not your current situation. You, like Prince Rumi, can find a better situation. Start Now. The Force IS actually with you.
