In the poem, The Guest House, Rumi is using the metaphor of a guest house to form an image that each day is an opportunity to experience something new in our lives, even if it’s unexpected.
And just like the house guest(s) that are in our home causing us to adjust our daily routine to accommodate their needs, we’re reminded we should greet them with warmth and humility. If there’s a feeling of discomfort, we’re asked to question it without fear or judgment.
Every human experience is valuable and the “house guest” that arrived in our life, is here to guide and teach us what we are here to learn.
The Guest House ~ Rumi
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.
This is one of my absolutely favorite poems! I Love Rumi! ❤ ❤
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Wow! Good to know.
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Lovely reminder Bernice. I particularly like, “Welcome and entertain them all!”
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Great line. Accept and honor all our emotions. xo
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Thank you. Inspiring writing.
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The poem touched me and felt inclined to share. Thank you.
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House guest. Opportunity. Valuable. Guide. Teacher. Invited or Unexpected.
Alrighty then, glad I always took a shine to school, don’t mind surprises, and lighthouses are some of my favorite attractions.
Yep.
I can dig it!
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Thank you for sharing Jill.
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Love this! And I love Rumi. One of my favorite poets to read…anytime and anywhere. This is also a great reminder about how to treat guests. I know my “introvert” shows more often than not, hehe. Having guests over is…not always easy and it doesn’t happen that often. But when the opportunity arises, it’s a great way to learn, grow, and give.
Lovely thoughts!
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Thank you! It surely is a wonderful opportunity for us to learn and grow from it. 🌸
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OH my, what a beautiful post. Did you build this house yourself? I just love it. What a great job and so beautiful. Would sure stay there with all the flowers and serene woods. Lovely post and thank you for sharing.
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It’s not my house. But I would love to live in it as well. 🙂
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Thank you for this share and insight. I know a of rumi quotes but never really his poem so this a good point of learning for me
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