On the surface, Rumi suggests that the external world and your desires are not separate from your being. It's a call to introspection, implying that the answers you seek externally are already present within you. The quote encourages a shift from outward searching to inward discovery, positing that the very essence of what you yearn for is not something to be acquired, but something to be recognized as already existing within your core.

Within the Sufi tradition, this echoes the concept of *Wahdat al-Wujud* (Unity of Being), famously articulated by Ibn Arabi, a contemporary influence on Rumi. This doctrine posits that all existence is a manifestation of the Divine (Allah). Therefore, the universe, and all its perceived contents, are not separate from God, and by extension, not separate from your true self, which is a reflection of the Divine. The 'wanting' Rumi speaks of is often the soul's yearning for its origin, a longing for *fana* (annihilation of the ego in God). By looking inward, you are not finding something new, but remembering your pre-existent, divine nature, the spark of God within. The quote is an invitation to awaken to this inherent oneness.

In your life: Practice mindful observation of your thoughts and emotions, recognizing that the peace or joy you seek is a quality you can cultivate and access from within, rather than depending on external circumstances.