A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes as an unexpected visitor.
Poem
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鈥檙e 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 whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.
by Jalaluddin Rumi
from Rumi: Selected Poems, trans Coleman Barks with John Moynce, A. J. Arberry, Reynold Nicholson (Penguin Books, 2004)
This poem came up at Interpersonal Mindfulness Labs this month.
To see the deepening conversation that includes the concepts of change, death, loss and continuing to love, see the Members email.
Kind regards,
Gena Bean
MindfulBeacon Radio
Member discussion