The Guest House -Rumi

                            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.

– Rumi, translation by Coleman Barks