THE GUEST HOUSE by Rumi
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’re 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.
The barn above is extremely old, but many years ago, it contained a few farm animals who made a small town in South Carolina their home. It’s the only barn in town now and treasured because it is the last barn standing even though to the untrained Yankee eye, it may look worthy of a teardown.
But in reality, it is a great guest house for me right now, for all of the emotions which well up within me (hence the photo). My heartfelt thanks to Heather for the poem by Rumi and for Laurie who inspires me to be still and to courageously feel the emotions which come to be cleared from my body, mind and soul.
May YOU be inspired by Rumi to…
be grateful for whatever comes,
because each has been sent as a guide from beyond.
Shine On!
xo
You provide food for thought with these words.
Oh yes, doesn’t Rumi make you think? ♥
may your heart always find its home within you.
may you always shine your light for others to find their way home to their heart.
Hugs
Thank you Louise! ♥
May you be emotionally fearless!!! Xo!
Thank you! ♥
Loved this, and loved the other post of Rumi’s thoughts, thanks for this!
Thanks for stopping by! ♥
Great meaning in the poem. Love the photo-reminds me of a Bob Ross painting.
Regarding his paintings, and as could be applied to life, he would say; “We don’t make mistakes, we jusy have happy accidents.” and from those happy accidents, rather than tossing the painting; he continued from their, and made it even better.
-Alan
Thanks Alan ~ I will have to check out Bob Ross as I’ve never heard of him! ♥
He’s has since passed, but you can find episodes of his painting, called, “The Joy of Painting'” on youtube. Be prepared to be amazed by his skill, and relaxed by his soothing voice. I’d always tune in after a hectic day at school.
-Alan
Thank you! I will! ♥
🙂 Lovely as always.
♥♥♥
Oh wow Yvonne…what a perspective. I LOVE it. xo
So happy to hear Rhonda…thanks. ♥ How’s Dad?
He’s still fighting. 🙂
Keeping you in my prayers. xo
Thank you my friend. xo
It’s a beautiful barn. Color, weathering…lovely.
Thank you so much! ♥
“…because each has been sent as a guide from beyond” As have you, my friend, and I’m grateful.
Russ
Oh Russ, I’m grateful to you and to our connection. ♥ Thanks for allowing me to be a published poetry author in your book!
Thanks for your post. This Rumi poem is one of my favorites. One of my dear friends shared it with me when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Since then, I have learned to welcome my emotions and see the clarity and strength they offer. Here’s to clearing…
What a lovely gift to be have been given the poem when you were diagnosed. I wish I had been aware of this poem then as well. Cheers to clearing….♥
THank you for creating this beautiful space 🙂
Thank you for visiting here. ♥