Where are you? What are you feeling? What is God and/or the Universe presenting you with this year, month, day, moment? The following poem says all we ever need to know so how can we possibly continue to write knowing the bottom line is already spoken? That’s not the question to ask however. The real question is, how can we consistently be grateful for our “guests” and enjoy the visit(s)? That too is answered by Rumi, yet we all forget at times and try to “reinvent the wheel”. Perhaps the better question is this: Are we simply opening our hearts to others, attempting to entertain and welcome, while striving to be a better host? Yes, I think that is the Q & A for the day.
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
wholoctave 