Can You Appreciate All That Shows Up?
Welcome Spring and all that is new.
I’ve been reading and contemplating a beautiful passage about arrivals from Rumi this week (as interpreted by Coleman Barks).
It helped me see a challenging situation in new light…and a door opened.
Perhaps it will open a door for you, too.
“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 attend them all!
Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of all 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.
Welcome difficulty.
Learn the alchemy True Human
Beings know:
the moment you accept what troubles
you’ve been given, the door opens.
Welcome difficulty as a familiar
comrade. Joke with torment
brought by the Friend.
Sorrows are the rags of old clothes
and jackets that serve to cover,
and then are taken off.
That undressing,
and the beautiful
naked body underneath,
is the sweetness
that comes
after grief.”
~ Rumi, as interpreted by Coleman Barks, in The Illuminated Rumi, ©1997 Coleman Barks & Mich
What doors open for you as you contemplate this passage? Let us know.
To Your Wellth,
Erica
