This quote is a beautiful metaphor that speaks to the enduring nature of memory and emotional resonance. When Rumi says, “A mountain keeps an echo deep inside itself,” he’s suggesting that just as a mountain can hold onto or ‘keep’ an echo, we too have the capacity to hold onto certain experiences or feelings within us.
The second part of the quote, “That’s how I hold your voice,” personalizes this concept. Here,Rumi is saying that just like a mountain retains echoes,he holds onto the ‘voice’ of someone significant in his life. This could mean their literal voice – their words and advice – or it could refer more broadly to their influence and impact on him.
Applying this idea in today’s world or in personal growth might involve recognizing our ability to choose what we retain within ourselves. Just as mountains don’t keep every noise but only those sounds strong enough to create an echo, we can choose which experiences, lessons, and influences we allow to resonate within us long-term.
For instance, if someone gives us advice that deeply resonates with us—whether it be about our career path, relationships or personal growth—we might choose to ‘hold’ onto it like Rumi holds onto the voice in his metaphor. By doing so consciously and selectively choosing what influences shape us internally—much like how mountains keep deep echoes—we can play a more active role in our own development and well-being.
Furthermore, this concept encourages mindfulness about what impacts us deeply enough for retention—the ‘echoes’ worth keeping—and serves as a reminder of our resilience; no matter how many echoes reverberate within us (experiences good or bad), like mountains standing firm through countless echos over time – we too continue standing strong amidst all life throws at us.
