Rumi’s Thoughts on Being Human — The Guest House

This is a poem I need to read over and over as a reminder of what it is to be human.  Momentary awareness changes moment to moment, pleasant and unpleasant.  These moments are all mine, all a part of me and not to be missed to have all of me.

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’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.

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.

Mewlana Jalaluddin Rumi

(Translated by Coleman Barks)