While this poem was the product of Jalaluddin Rumi’s spiritual consciousness more than eight hundred years ago, it remains as a wonderful reminder of who we are, of how we are in this human experience of life, and of the way through which we may experience a richer, more fulfilling and honest life. Here it is:
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’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.
As I reflect back on the various important spiritual teachers I’ve had in my life, it becomes clear to me that their powerful teachings embrace the message in this poem, that their ideas are not entirely new, that they are unique expressions of some very basic truths made relevant for this time. People like Mary Morrissey, Byron Katie, Eric Butterworth, Martha Creek, Mark Nepo, Gary and Jane Simmons, to name just a few, and most recently, a fellow Q coach by the name of Ryan Sawyer whose recently published book, “Choice Point,” is now prominent among the spiritual fodder I keep handy for reading during my morning time.
For any of you who haven’t heard of Ryan yet, you will soon enough, and I can strongly recommend this very powerful, honest, and well-written guide to discovering how to transform your life.
I especially encourage any of you men to take a look at his book. I say this only because his is a voice I believe you will find refreshing and relatable as a man. I know I do! And, yes, I’m sure women will also find his book worth reading as well.
Back to “The Guest House,” the message in Rumi’s poem is the very same one that has led me to write all of the books and booklets I have penned, especially my latest, “Silly Me! There I Go Again!” Its message is very simple: “Love yourself, warts and all, and be kind to yourself! Embrace all your parts and love them with a smile and a slap on your head rather than holding yourself in judgment. The sooner we fully embrace and own all of our thoughts and actions in a consciousness of compassion, the sooner we will find ourselves experiencing more connection with those around us.”
Or to use Rumi’s words, “Welcome and entertain them all!…treat each guest honorably. He may be clearing you out for some new delight…Meet them at the door laughing and invite them in…because each has been sent as a guide from beyond.”
Love & Light, Steven