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 entertain them all!
Even if they're a crowd 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 whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.

Rumi


As it's National Poetry today, I thought I would share a beautiful poem that we came across at Book Club this week. Written by Rumi, a 13th-century Persian poet, jurist, theologian, and Sufi mystic, the poem reflects on how we should embrace every aspect of life, be they bitter or sweet, for they are all part of the rich tapestry that is life...