"The Guest House"
2003-03-21 - 11:48 a.m.

Hard week this...trying hard to keep my heart in the right place so I turned to my favorite website this morning for a little boost and found this poem. It has not "fixed" my mood but with it I have found some focus for my reflections and prayers.

Thought I would share it here.


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

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