"Guest House" by Jalaluddin Rumi

Translated by Coleman Barks

"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."

~ Rumi

I am taking a Dialectical Behaviour Therapy training and mindfulness is such a huge part of it. I can't think of a better verse that describe counselling goals and process when it comes to mindfulness. But in a much better, heart-felt, poetic, beautiful way. I've got to say, having listened to a rather dry academic language for a day, my heart delights in this poem. So I wanted to share.