The Guest House

The Guest House

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.
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 ~


I've always liked the idea of the house as a metaphor for the human body. I find myself drawn to and using houses more in my art. I came across this poem in an online class I'm taking on Healing and Transformation from SARK. If you don't know any of SARK's work you should check her out. She's very inspiring! She mentioned this poem so I thought I would look it up. I fell in love with it! So I put together a little montage of different photos to add a little imagery to the poem. I hope you like it.