The Guest House

Hi Reader,

I’m popping in to share a poem.

>>>>> But first, a quick reminder – Soft Smile Yoga is now Possible by Design.

Now back to the poem.

It was read to me recently in a meditation class and I wanted to share. It was written in the 13th century by the famous poet (in some circles), Rumi. I love how words from hundreds of years ago can resonate so fully in the present.

Emotions. Bad, good. Wrong, right. We’ve all experienced a melange of emotions and Rumi’s poem captures the beautiful idea to welcome them all. Happiness, joy, elation. Anger, shame, fear. Welcome them all. We are, after all, only human.

>>>>> Keep scrolling to read the full poem.

The Guest House

By Jalaluddin Rumi

Translated by Coleman Barks

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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WIth all kinds of emotions,

Sarah
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p.s. Here’s a special bonus link to a great song on the nature of being human (IMO): “Human” by Rag'n'Bone Man
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