The Guest House

Today I'm sharing one of my favorites:

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 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 whoever comes,

because each has been sent

as a guide from beyond.

- Rumi

My takeaway here is to welcome ALL of our humanity - our thoughts and emotions - even and especially those we're ashamed to think and feel.

Before we judge, what if we welcomed them in with open arms and asked, "What are you here to teach me today?"

Definitely easier said than done, especially in the moment!