The Guest House

A Little Poem By Rumi For "Those Kinda Days"

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 whatever comes.
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.

-- Jelaluddin Rumi,
translation by Coleman Barks

And yes, this is picture of my real arm "holding the sun" at Santa Monica beach. Uh, I think the sun is actually holding me now that I think about it. What a gorgeous reminder.

Be kind to yourself and others.
With love,
Sahara