Luminosity

“Look carefully around you and recognize the luminosity of souls.

Sit beside those who draw you to that.” ~Rumi

Other people’s moods — and viewpoints — are contagious. In fact, there’s a clinical study suggesting that we become like the five people with whom we spend most of our time. (This might explain why so many married couples and lifelong best friends actually resemble each other.) According to this theory, if your spouse and peer group are serial pessimists and complainers, you might be one too. It’s also likely that you share the same political views.

Psychological studies aside, I’m always drawn to folks who spread their sunshine and draw me out of the shadows when I’m down. In his well-researched book, How to Know a Person, author David Brooks aptly calls these people “Illuminators.”

The world is dark and cruel enough as it is — and today’s short poem from the Sufi poet Rumi reminds me that I need even more “luminosity” in my life. ~Cindy La Ferle

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