For all of you searching to find Monday balance, after a summer filled weekend, I’d like to share one of my favorite poems with you. I’m working on treating all of my grouchy life visitors honorably and with open arms. I recognize everyone and everything has some gift to offer, but sometimes I’m too exhausted to unwrap all the layers of grouchy gifts.
So many years later, Rumi continues to inspire.
The Guest House
by 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.
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That’s a very nice poem, laced with truths, thanks for sharing it.
We have a similar one that we placed in all our guest house entrances in Cape Town and it reminds us and our staff to always treat our guests and ourselves with respect, coutesy and dignity.
Guest House Cape Towns last blog post..Sweet Ocean View Guest House