Traditional Sufi story

Under a well-lit streetlit, the beloved eighth-centruy saint Rabi'a was engrossed in looking for a lost key.  Soon her neighbors joined in the search, but without success.  "Where did you drop it?"  they asked, hoping to focus on that area.  "Oh, I did not lose my key here, but over there in my house," replied Rabi'a.  Surprised and bemused, they respectfully asked why she did not look for the lost key in the house.  "That is because my house is dimly lit, but out here it is so much brighter under the streetlight," she explained.The neighbors could not help laughing; they shook their heads in disbelief.  This was Rabi'a's opportunity to impart a teaching.  She addressed them:  "Friends, it is clear that you're intelligent.  Then why is it that when you lose your peace of mind or happiness, perhpas because of a failed relationship or job, you look for what was lost out there and not in here?"  Rabi'a pointed to her chest.  "Did you lose your joy out there or in here?  Do you avoid looking inside you because the light is dimmer, and therefore, more inconvenient?"  This insight struck a deep chord in her neighbors.