“This being human is a guest house. Every morning is a new arrival. A joy, a depression, a meanness, some momentary awareness comes as an unexpected visitor…Welcome and entertain them all. Treat each guest honorably. 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.”
― Rumi
Every morning? Are you kidding, Rumi?
There has been a bit more frequent turnover in this guest house the past few days!
Some unexpected, intense visitors came bearing hidden gifts. They seemed the sort you wouldn’t want around, until they left without saying goodbye; then I realized, they burned off a bit more of the ME, and left some sweet perfume in the emptiness of their departure.
The next group who made reservations seemed a bit more mellow upon arrival tonight. And joyful. They brought flourless chocolate cake as a gift!
Love when the metaphor takes 3D form 🙂
May we all honor the revolving door of our being and the guests we are sent. I bow to my teenage permanent tenants and to the life and lessons they bring into my space.
Life as Improv 
Wow. I love this Rumi quote… and I loathe this Rumi quote. I am in awe at what comes through the door and I am overwhelmed with what comes through the door. I still find myself fighting to shut the door in the face of something I perceive as difficult… but it always creeps through, forcing me to deal with it. My guests just seem to stay for a really long time.
The metaphor is true, but feels downplayed. This past weekend I had to learn to welcome ugly guests in my guest house along with the nasty guests in the guest houses who live with me…ramped up. I wanted to install NYC door locks up and down and hide in the closet. Tough work! And here it is Thursday, and the guests that passed through brought us all gifts; there is more peace, more courage, more patience. The revolving door, while intense, does seem to be moving “stuff” out! Sometimes spiritual quotes sound so peaceful when really what they are talking about is INTENSE! My friend passed on the words, “It’s okay to be not okay,” and I found great relief and truth for where I found myself at that moment…and now I am somewhere else again. Whew! Your interest and energy and honesty are so beautiful, Dana! Sending you fresh flowers for the entryway of your guesthouse 🙂
x!m