Tiny Wonders of Art

Jalāl al-Dīn Rūmī (1207 – 1273), popularly known as Rūmī, was a Sufi mystic born in what is now Afghanistan. He is one of the best-selling poets in the United States, writing more than 40,000 versesbout everything from love to death to the interior life. Rūmī believed that one’s relationship with the divine must be active. Instead of simply reciting poetry, he sang it while whirling in circles. This sacred tradition of meditative twirling inspired by Rūmī is still practiced by the Mevlevi Order—a Sufi group sometimes referred to as the Whirling Dervishes. Today, Rūmī’s quotes show up everywhere from pop songs to Pinterest, inspiring people of all faiths to join in the dance with the divine. Here are some of our favorites:

The ocean and its inhabitants remain mysterious but of all of the creatures of the deep, whales in particular continue to fascinate humanity.

Nearly 85 percent of children who undergo cardiac arrest have a near-death experience. What exactly do children see in heaven and how does it affect their lives?

For hundreds of years, writers, theologians and philosophers have mulled over this question— and many believe that moments of doubt lead us to a greater understanding of our faith. Here are a few thoughts on how questioning can foster a deeper connection with God…