The Guest House

  

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