The Guest House by Rumi

This was read to my teacher training class last week, and I love it. The reader was an Occupational Therapist working with acute mental health patients, and it makes it all the more meaningful.

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.

-Rumi

What guests are you currently entertaining in your human-ness? Are you barring the door? Or greeting them with a smile?