Something to Strive For?
My yoga teacher read this at class last week. Rumi is a poet I'm familiar with but this poem was new to me. It's certainly an interesting perspective and one that I can appreciate...tho' I'm unsure if I can be this detached about everything that comes my way. What about you?
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 it's 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.
--Rumi
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 it's 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.
--Rumi
posted by Nana Sadie at 9:59 PM
5 Comments:
Ooh. Hmmm... I'm not sure I'm there yet. I feel like I'm doing well if I maintain equanimity; inviting my challenges and griefs with joy may be beyond me. I'm going to send you Invictus, though; I am finding that really inspiring right now.
There is something to honoring one's feelings - but I think as a means of allowing the negative ones to leave. At least that is how it works for me.
Hi Sallee...I haven't commented for awhile so hello :) And for the poem, not that easy to "do" and definitely a struggle but there tends to be joy on the other side. This is a constant work-in-progress that's for sure.
I loved this! Thank you for sharing it!
That is wonderful... thank you for posting it. I have been struggling the past few days with the news that a dear friend suffered a stroke on Friday... she was unresponsive, but after a small seizure yesterday now recognizes her family and is struggling to talk... we never know what comes our way and maybe being gracious is our best work.
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