Guest House
Monday, October 22, 2007 at 8:33 AM I have been away for a few days only returning last evening. My desire is to connect and touch my friends through this space, but I am feeling the need to stay with myself for a bit longer. Nevertheless, this poem greeted me today and it speaks much to where I am. So, this is my offering for the day along with this fabulous new photo by bill.
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 whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.
-Rumi
Journey, Other Poets
Reader Comments (4)
Hi Lucy-
I have missed you and hope you are well. I am leading a meeting this evening on the 10th Step - with regard to "The Golden Rule." This poem is right on time. Peace.
thanks, e. hope your meeting goes well. along with the golden rule i love the greatest commandment...love God and love your neighbor as yourself. i think we often forget the part about loving & taking care of ourselves and so end up loving each other exactly the same way (i.e. not very well at all!)
Lucy, so glad to have you back....loved the poem and it made me think about the one from The Confessions by Saint Augustine "The house of my soul is too small for you to enter: make it more spacious by your coming. It lies in ruins: rebuild it. Some things are to be found there which will offend your gaze; I confess this to be so and know it well. But who will clean my house: To whom but yourself can I cry." I love this quote. There is no place like home, as Dorothy would say. Love Pamela
pamela--
thank you for the augustine quote. really good. and yes, "there is no place like home!!!!"