“Why do you stay in prison when the door is wide open?” — Rumi
As a child, I have been irresistibly drawn to the world of mystics, that level, sphere or plane where time and space and the laws of physics cease to exist, where all dimensions are simply magical and there is infinite potential to invent and reinvent oneself!
One of my absolute favourites and inspirations is the mystic and poet Rumi.
Jalāl ad-Dīn Muhammad Rūmī (1207–1273) was a 1 Persian poet, Islamic scholar, and Sufi mystic. Born in Balkh (modern-day Afghanistan) he later settled in Konya, Turke and founded the Mevlevi Order of Sufism known as the “Whirling Dervishes”.
His poetry and spiritual teachings focused on themes of divine love, the soul’s longing, and the unity of humankind.
Rumi’s influence transcends borders and ethnicities. He is widely revered as one of the greatest poets and spiritual masters in Persian literature and in the Islamic world. The universal nature of Rumi’s poetry has resonated across cultures; he is the most popular poet in many countries today. His masterpiece Masnavi-Manavi is considered one of the greatest works of mystical poetry. Rumi’s wisdom on love, self-transcendence and finding inner freedom continue to inspire readers around the world.
“Why do you stay in prison when the door is wide open?” This profound quote of his contains a powerful metaphor about self-imprisonment and internal freedom.
By analyzing the symbolism, we can unpack the deeper meaning of the Prison that binds us as none other than Self-Imposed limits, those limitations we impose on ourselves, mentally and emotionally.
Our mindset and beliefs can confine us even without physical walls or bars. Fears, doubts, and assumptions keep us stuck in narrow spaces and prevent us from realizing our potential.
The “door” symbolizes the opportunities and choices we always have to break free of self-limiting patterns. At any moment, we can step across the threshold into greater self-awareness, possibilities and joy. The door continually stands open and we can walk out into freedom if only we become conscious of our self-imposed confinement.
Walking through the door is an invitation to live authentically unfettered by thoughts of good or bad or what is considered normal and at times even moral given the precepts of the day and age. Rumi implicitly encourages us to walk through that open door by living more freely and authentically, uncaring about traditions and social norms.
Once we become aware of the ways we have confined our minds and lives, we can dismantle these prisons, which in any case are totally illusory. We hold the keys to our liberation. Rumi also implies that leaving prison is a process, not a single act. We must live in awareness and notice when we slip back into confining mindsets. Here we are invited to make the conscious choice to walk through the door again, stepping fully into expansive living. The door of freedom for any individual can only be accessed from the inside, using the wisdom of the heart and the mind.
Rumi uses this metaphor to illustrate how we can limit or free ourselves in any moment.
This verse is an empowering reminder that the choice to break free of self-imposed prisons and live authentically always exists within us.
So, my friends, what prison walls bind you?
What fetters do you need to shatter to live fully?
What holds you prisoner when all you need to do is step forward into freedom, joy and bliss?
As a mindfulness practitioner and life-design coach, I help clients focus on well-being and personal growth and make life choices that prioritize their mental and emotional health. This leads to personal freedom and independence allowing the person to blossom and manifest the life they deserve. Connect with me if you are seeking to go forward on your journey.