Rumi

For about a year now I have been subscribed to a great little service from Panhala. They post a different poem every day on their website, and will also email it to you. Their choices are lovely, or at least very much my cup of tea.
And some days, they really speak to me. This was today's poem. It could also maybe be called "Inviting Mara to Tea". I really do understand the concept, to have that spaciousness in your sense of self big enough to hold whatever comes, but it sure is hard sometimes...


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.


~ Rumi ~

(The Essential Rumi, versions by Coleman Barks)