Sunday Inspiration: The Guest House

“The Guest House” by Jalaluddin 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.
Did you happen to read the Dear Annie column last month that included this 800 year old poem by the Muslim mystic Rumi? The letter Annie is responding to is from a man (help my insecurities) who is driving his girlfriend crazy because he keeps asking her if she’s happy and ok? Annie points out that he’s projecting his own feelings of insecurity and sadness and suggests that he start every morning by writing down his feelings and welcoming them. To emphasize her point she includes the Rumi poem as a spiritual source for acknowledging and accepting our feelings.
The poem rang true to me for two reasons. First, the title of the poem is so similar to the title of my next novel, The House Guests, which will be published in June and really lines up well with the theme of the poem.
Secondly, Annie’s advice is fitting for all of us as we face the pain and grief of dealing with Covid and its many repercussions. The first step towards healing is welcoming our feelings, no matter how dark and difficult they may be, and then once they’re acknowledged we can appreciate them for the gifts they bring.
What feelings do you welcome into your guest house?

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