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 attend them all:
Even if they're a crown of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture, still,
treat each guest honourably.
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.
~ Rumi
.....................
I love this poem. It speaks to me of compassion, gentleness and grace. It encourages me to pay attention to all the feelings and emotions that come my way. Often unpleasant, difficult and challenging feelings and emotions that are pushed away or buried deep within. These words invite me to welcome them all. Pay attention to them and seek out what they are trying to say to me, teach me or where they want to lead me. I am invited to push past the condemnation and judgement and embrace what comes. I am invited to listen and show compassion to those visitors that want to share. I am invited to welcome them, offer them hospitality and then wait for what follows.
It might be just what my soul was yearning for.
Jo xx
