Power of Poetry: Rumi’s “The Guesthouse”

There is a sentiment often attributed to Freud that resonates with me; “Whenever I think I have made a new discovery, I find that the poets have been there before me.” In that vein, I am going to share a few of my favorite poems over the next few months. These poems are ones that I turn to for comfort and inspiration. I hope you enjoy them.

-Hunter

The Guest House

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.

by Rumi