Welcome depression? Meanness? Dark thoughts? Shame? In Rumi’s poem “The Guest House,” we’re gently challenged to greet these “darker emotions” with acceptance. I couldn’t comprehend why we should (or could!) do this when I first read the poem. I had recently separated from my gay husband, and the idea of welcoming such ‘negative emotions’ was not on my radar. I was already overcome by them often and was definitely not ‘welcoming them in’! The depth and mystery of the poem were overshadowed by my defensive reaction. I could barely keep my head above the swirling waters of devastation and sadness, let alone welcome the emotions.
With each new reading of the poem, I opened up to its mystery a little more. In this version, the lovely Helena Bonham Carter brings the poem to life in a way that I think will pierce through most people’s resistance. She has an amazing knack for communicating the heart, soul and meaning of the poem in a way that I hope resonates with you. And for what it’s worth, there is a difference between welcoming a guest, and allowing them to live there forever. 😉
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 are 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 whatever comes. because each has been sent as a guide from beyond.
What do you think? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
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