Rumi Rumi Rumi

THE GUEST HOUSE                        Jelaluddin 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 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.

“This being human is a guest house“…How beautiful is that, and true.  Would that I welcome my emotions like guests.  Invite my sorrow to soak in a warm bath, with Satie’s Gnossienne playing softly in the background.   I would fix a feast of comfort food for all of me that is tired and lonely.  And anger, I would sit her right beside me and listen until she had nothing left to say.

I  imagine this into my living now as I have never once considered welcoming my emotions in such a way.  Instead I’ve turned the lights off , kept quiet and waited for such guests to leave like too late trick or treaters.

I will be grateful for all that arrives at my doorstep.  I have done this so often for others, today I will give myself the best of me.