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.
They 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 whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.
- Rumi
I love this poem. I heard it years ago and continue to find it resonating with what is happening my day. It is my hope to be spiritually fit enough to do this - to welcome each visitor, each day.
It's certainly the healthy way to look at pain, considering the alternative...though there are times I wish we had some little switch on our tummy that we could toggle...and be numb for a bit.
ReplyDeleteI think Rumi is awesome. And how I read this is mostly in the reflection back upon something - not while it is happening! If I was able to do that, I'd be the Dalai Lama or something!!
ReplyDeleteI would also like to be able to walk 1/2 hour a day. Every day. I can't even do that!!! :)