A poem by Rumi.

I have been fascinated by Rumi ever since I can remember. He was a Sufi mystic and poet who lived in the 13th century. Most of his poems were written in Persian and have been translated into several languages. He remains one of the most-read poets today.

In ‘The Guest House’, Rumi says a huma being is a guest house, with emotions and feelings flitting in and out like temporary guests. What resonates with me is that he does not ask us to fight or resist sorrow or unwelcome feelings but welcome and entertain them. Acceptance of all emotions and treating them as respected guests help us move more easily with the flow of life.

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.