New Year Quote: “This being human” by Rumi

I thought it would be appropriate to offer a reflective piece of poetry as the New Year begins : we need all the wisdom we can receive, especially in relation to the dark thoughts, the shame and the malice from which no person is immune – could we but take responsibility for those shadow qualities in ourselves as individuals and nations, refraining from projecting them onto others, the world would probably be less fractured than it is….

” This being human “

 

The poet Rumi
The poet 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’re a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture.

Still treat each guest honourably,
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.

from the Persian poet Rumi

(1207-1273)

6 thoughts on “New Year Quote: “This being human” by Rumi

  1. This particular poem of Rumi’s is not one I’ve come across before, and yes, it does resonate as well as any others I’m familiar with. I’m afraid I have no answers to your question Anne, as to why it’s become so popular just now – I’m here simply because I’ve only just found your site via other ways.

    1. Hi eremophilia

      thanks so much for all your Likes on various posts, and for dropping by to leave this comment! Well, I guess people were looking for inspiration at the turn of what has been in many ways a difficult year both for individuals and the collective – and Rumi’s wisdom is just the thing to provide that inspiration. Keep up the good work with your own blog – I’ve just subscribed to it.

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