The Guest House by Rumi
This past month I've been reading "The Guest House" by Rumi. Below I've included the full poem. It is such a beautiful way to look at not only our interactions with others and experiences in the world but also a way to view our thourghts. May this poem bring you some piece when you are struggling with what is:
Guest House – 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 sham, the malice, meet them at the door laughing, and invite them in. Be grateful for whoever comes, because each has been sent as a guide from beyond.
Welcome difficulty.
Learn the alchemy True Human
Beings know:
The moment you accept what troubles
You’ve been given, the door opens.
Welcome difficulty as a familiar
Comrade. Joke with torment
Brought be the Friend.
Sorrows are the rags
And jackets that serve to cover,
And then are taken off.
That undressing,
And the beautiful
Naked body
Underneath,
Is the sweetness
That comes after grief.
