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 “
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)
resonates with me so well!! happy new year and we’ll get that coffee yet!!!
all the best sheilagh
Thanks Sheilagh! I love this poem too…..see you soon x
Thousands of people have been reading this quote in recent days. To read more comments on the same poem, click http://anne-whitaker.com/2009/01/06/favourite-quote-this-being-human-by-rumi/
I am delighted, since it’s such a challenging and inspiring poem. But curious – why this year, since the post has been up for a long time? Any answers out there?
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.
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.