The Guest House

“The Guest House,” by 13th century poet and theologian Jalāl ad-Dīn Muhammad Rūmī (typically referred to as Rumi) is a poem about accepting all experiences in life, and being grateful for each-- even the negative.  His words are hard to accept at the moment, but maybe it’s all the more important to try.

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The Guest House

By Jalāl ad-Dīn Muhammad Rūmī

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.