Y’all, this poem…. I’ve fallen madly in love with it.
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
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.
My human being wants to put up a “No Vacancy” sign today but I can’t. I must greet all the guests that arrive today with gratitude and awareness.
The crowd of sorrows arrived early and uninvited. I tried to slam the door in their face. Now they are settled in and I am waiting impatiently for the new delight to come. Hurry up, new delight!
Practicing mindfulness and gratitude in all circumstances is not easy for me. For any of us I imagine. But we can work on it! Work and work and work. And then work some more.
Today I will be grateful for whomever and whatever comes my way. At least, I will try.
A teaching story translated by Coleman Barks© by owner. provided at no charge for educational purposes
I love this poem
Have not heard it before!
It reminds me of a children’s book, where scary things knock on the door, and the child invites them in for tea.
They had a tea party, and then things were not so scary anymore!
xo
Wendy