Transitioning from personal habits to broader traditions, the idea of returning to roots appears across philosophy and spirituality. Plato’s *Republic* (c. 375 BC) frames much human confusion as mistaking shadows for reality, implying that clarity requires turning toward what is fundamental rather than what is merely apparent.
Similarly, many contemplative practices—prayer, meditation, self-examination—are designed as root-work, not branch-work. They slow the impulse to manage appearances and instead cultivate attention, humility, and discernment. Rumi’s imagery fits this lineage: reality is not always where it is loudest. [...]
