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 whatever comes.
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.
Rumi
Image: Iconic Sunrise #2 by Miwok via Flickr
I just love Rumi. And, lately, Rilke is on my writing/reading desk. This is wisdom and takes some getting used to for me; to embrace the violent sweeping of my house. I’m learning patience and the willingness to do the work that goes deep to see the gift and the clearing. Thank you for the beautiful words and the picture is exquisite.
Barbara,
I read Rilke in my twenties and lately, I feel the pull to go back to the wisdom contained in his work. Yes, the work is daunting, but is necessary to view the horizon with a renewed clarity.