Unexpected Visitors

This Week's Quotation:

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. 

~ Jalaluddin Rumi, (The Guest House)

Unexpected Visitors

Terri McCartney

 

This poem from Rumi, The Guest House, is one I revisit frequently. It reminds me to be mindful of thoughts and emotions as they arrive and to meet them with goodwill and loving-kindness. I share it with you because I enjoy passing on anything that increases the quality of my life experience.

It seems Pandora's box is wide open in our world. Each day provides countless opportunities to practice mindfulness. I tremble each time I hear breaking news of some tragedy or horror unfolding on Planet Earth. My emotions get stirred up like a crowd of sorrows to which my mind will respond with judgmental or despairing thoughts. I'd quickly tumble down the rabbit hole if I weren't paying attention!

I may be unable to meet them at the door laughing, and often, the onslaught knocks me off my center. Yet, I find I can invite them in with a smile. What a grace it is that smiling ignites our internal love engine! Love accepts them all. And then, in acceptance, I no longer stand against the gale. I become one with the wind.

In welcoming all visitors, we shed the misunderstandings and judgments that keep us disconnected from Oneness. Then the layers upon layers of separation that have encrusted the human heart are gradually worn away. The masks and postures no longer fool us. We know that love is the glue that holds our world together. Even when it doesn't appear so, it's all Love manifested here, there, and everywhere.

About Open Windows

We, the authors of this blog, dedicate it to the transparent exploration of the world's sacred scripture and enlightened spiritual thought. We believe that the original inspiration of all faiths comes from a common source, named and revered in a myriad of ways. With that understanding, the innumerable symbols, beliefs, and practices of faith cease to divide. They become open windows to a common reality that inspires and unifies us. We find deeper insight and nourishment in our own faith and from the expression of faith from others.

We hope these weekly quotations and meditations speak to your heart and soul.