don't turn your head.
an empty mirror and your worst destructive habits,
when they are held up to each other, that is when
the real making begins. that's what art and crafting are.
a tailor needs a torn garment to practice his expertise.
the trunks of trees must be cut and cut again,
so they can be used for fine carpentry.
your doctor must have a broken leg to doctor.
your defects are the ways that glory gets manifested.
whoever sees clearly what is diseased in himself
begins to gallop on the way. there is nothing worse
than thinking you are well enough. more than anything,
self-complacency blocks the workmanship.
put your vileness up to a mirror and weep.
get that self-satisfaction flowing out of you...
don't turn your head. keep looking
at the bandaged place.
that is where the light enters you.
----rumi