THE GUEST HOUSE BY RUMI

This poem by a great Sufi mystic Rumi beautifully expresses the power and purpose behind all of Inner Alchemy: When we have a strong center, a strong Earth, we can welcome all. In my experience this is really the true purpose of being human. To be able to bring everything into the center, to be able to digest and cook from the myriad experiences of our life.

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 whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.

~Rumi