A poem has been in the back of my mind for several days. I couldn’t recall the exact words; I had a vague idea of the meaning and the feeling when I last read the poem.
I’m sharing that poem tonight in a simple, smaller and deeper offering.
I’m almost halfway through radiation treatment for breast cancer, and it’s been challenging. This poem is the encouragement I need today and for this upcoming week. May it be the same for you.
Read the following poem slowly. (You can read it more than once!)
The Guest House
by Jalaluddin Rumi
Translated by Coleman Barks
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.
Listen to “The Guest House”
(Notice if any new word or phrases stand out to you as you hear it read.)
This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
Thank you so much. This poem really helped reframe so much for me. I hope it does for there too. 💟
In deep presence with you, Amy, and this guest in your house. 🙏