The Guest House

by Rumi

Happy Holidays everyone! We are in the season of giving and receiving: this can also be a time of stress and overwhelm. If you are dealing with this, know that my heart goes out to you, that this too shall pass, and that the Universe does not remove things from your life without adding others. May you be blessed with peace and grace this season. Enjoy this poem by Rumi below.

The Guest House, by 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.