“The Guest House”

Below is a poem by Jalaluddin Rumi (can’t you tell that we love him around here?!) entitled “The Guest House.”  This poem beautifully describes the wisdom and resilience of mind that many of us hope to cultivate through our yoga practice and in our lives.  Please enjoy!

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 are 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 whatever comes.
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.

— Jalaluddin Rumi,
translation by Coleman Barks

 

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