How did the rose
dare open her heart
and give to the world
all her beauty?
She felt the encouragement of light
against her being.
Otherwise,
we all remain
too frightened.
from The Gift, Poems by Hafiz, the Great Sufi Master, translated by Daniel Ladinsky, Compass, Penguin Books, 1999
How Did the Rose Dare Open Her Heart?
I first heard this poem recited at the opening of a healing story conference attended by 200 mental health professionals. At our opening meeting, instead of an ordinary welcome address, we were greeted by a recitation of this simple, magnificent poem. The effect was astonishing. The room came alive. Furthermore, the poem offered an image we would return to frequently during the conference: the unfolding blossom. Even more powerfully, we reflected on encouragement and the necessity of warmth and light.