Tuesday, March 17, 2015

The Guest House


THE GUEST HOUSE

This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they are a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice.
meet them at the door laughing and invite them in.

Be grateful for whatever comes.
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.

-- Jelaluddin Rumi,
    translation by Coleman Barks




 

2 comments:

Katherine C. James said...

This is beautiful. It's also just what I was thinking about today: the different emotions I wake up to, some expected, some not, some agreeable, some less so. I love the idea of welcoming and entertaining each emotion as a guide from beyond. I've been practicing letting myself feel whatever I feel, rather than resisting. This is even better. Thank you, Bumble. xo.

Susan said...

Rumi is my spirit guide. I always find boundless comfort in The Guest House and thank you for presenting these words ... showing up just when needed. You're the best.