Trying to be OK when it's not OK
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The Guest House
by Jalaluddin 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. 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. |
Mary says: This poem is written by a thirteenth century Persian mystic, but I came across it when a copy was given to me by a Catholic priest at a wedding reception. My own marriage was falling apart and I was overcome with grief and couldn't stop crying at the reception - I can't remember what the priest (or anyone else) said , but I do remember he gave me a small laminated copy of this ancient poem from his pocket. I still felt overwhelmed and ashamed and I'm sure many thought me mean - but the priest's kindness helped me to try to accept that all feelings are valid and we have to learn to live alongside our sorrows as well as our joys.
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