Today I’d like to share with you a timeless poem by the great Sufi poet Rumi. 

The Guest House invites us to remember the impermanence of life – everything is temporary, the joy as well as the pain.

When we embrace it all, we live a fully embodied life. 

Remember that sometimes the harshest experiences we have during our lives yield the greatest amount of change and growth, becoming our gifts.

Here is the poem in full:

The Guest House, by 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.

I love this poem because it reminds me to embrace the not-so-fun parts of being human. 

It’s all here to teach us, and to remind us that we are here to experience it all.

Thank you for taking the time to be here today. Do you love this poem too? If so, let me know! I love hearing from you.

From my heart to yours,

davidji