Hi everyone…I am in a Rumi mood again today. Enjoy! -Ruthie
The Guest House (Rumi; translation 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 cleaning 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.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Ooh, I love it! Every Rumi day is a delightful day!!! Thanks so much, Ruthie!
Wow, Stacey. This quote perfectly matches your e-zine article today- which I absolutely loved. Seems that many of the people inspiring me have been spending time “sitting in the well” lately. Although it hasn’t been a “well-sitting” time for me, I am hoping to compile all of these wise women’s musings to help sustain me during my next visit there. Your e-zine article and this Rumi quote will definitely be with me!!
Hi again! Thanks so much for letting me know that you appreciated today’s eZine – I thought you would like it since it was inspired by some of the great Sufi teachings! (And don’t you LOVE Daniel’s painting?!)
I do love Daniel’s painting. It reminds me of “Break” from Christine Kane’s “Wide Awake” album. “All the reasons you can find for holding all the hurt inside will never be enough. What would you be giving up if you…Break, fall apart. Til there’s nothing left, but pieces of a deeper love. Let go now, til you know how all the walls around your heart only ketp you in the dark til the light shines where the parts gave cracked away…so break…”
Daniel’s painting shows clearly what happens when it “Breaks Wide Open!”