When Kerri read this poem I almost laughed. She was leading the Taize service and had chosen this poem specifically for me to hear. I had, all day, decided to have a very very hard day. In retrospect, nothing happened that was necessarily overwhelming. A tornado did not blow my house down. My paintings did not burn in a hill fire. All of the people I love survived the day, in fact, most thrived! My challenges were imaginary. They were walls of my own creation!
I chose frustration. I danced with disappointment. And then I got angry at myself for being frustrated. It was a feedback loop of self-incrimination. I told myself that I’d lost a perfectly beautiful day in my dedication to my mania. In the middle of my dark storm, Kerri introduced this poem. Enjoy it. Remember it the next time you choose to have a very very hard day.
The Guest House by Rumi
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.
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.
Filed under: Awakening, Gratitude, Perspective, Truly Powerful People | Tagged: awareness, Rumi, self knowledge |
The Direction of Intention 
Lovely, yet again.
This is too fun. I’ve been reading about Rumi: ‘The Forty Rules of Love’ by Shafak; love it, and thought of sending it to you. Reserved more Rumi at the library. Something must be moving through the winds
!
I love the idea that Rumi is moving through the winds!! Like minds, you and me….