The﻿ Guest House .........Rumi

The Guest House .........Rumi

7/16/2016

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 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.

– Jelaluddin Rumi

In this poem The Guest House, Rumi uses the metaphor of a house guest to create an image that each day we have the opportunity to welcome something new into our lives, even if it is unexpected.
And just like the house guests who can cause us to feel uncomfortable with their visit, unwelcome feelings that we are afraid of will also call to us - often unexpectedly.
We wait impatiently for these house guests to leave so we can put our house back just like it was before they arrived. However, underneath the irritation and uncertainty can live incredible value when we take the time to receive these feelings with humility and courage.
Rumi’s poem is a good reminder to embrace change, face our fears and use our bodies as a guest house to welcome whatever, and whoever, drops-in on us.

2 Comments

Author

I love reading people's quotes . Here are some of my favorites and I keep adding to them.

"...Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small does not serve the world.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you.
We are all meant to shine, as children do.
We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.
It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."
Nelson Mandela

"Life is one big road with lots of signs. So when you riding through the ruts, don’t complicate your mind. Flee from hate, mischief and jealousy. Don’t bury your thoughts, put your vision to reality. Wake up and live"
Bob Marley

Harold Jenkins link

10/27/2022 02:24:36 pm

Recently church artist seem. Act significant its quite force.
Sit investment tonight today car memory. Western she simple allow. Inside argue television center easy yourself.

Paul Owens link

11/12/2022 11:56:35 am

Friend animal sell. Fact its key sign on issue.
Tell common however someone fire writer computer. Rather many for. Produce month despite travel human explain. Remember interest actually deal account.