Offered by Marie McGuigan
Poem
The Guest House
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.
Reflection
The phrase that resonates for me was “Who violently sweep your house empty of its furniture….”. This brings up memories of grief and loss and the word ”empty” now resonates like something like the emptiness of grief with a felt sense of sadness. A deep sigh arises. The words “welcome” and “be grateful now fit my felt sense of it all and a further few sighs come with an easy smile. I am reminded of the wisdom of the body and being with whatever is there in a focusing way.
"Do not feel lonely
The entire universe is inside you” from Rumi
Marie McGuigan
June 2023
