Visit
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The Guest House
by Jalal al-Din 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 honorably.
They 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.
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