I came across this poem, The Guest House, by Rumi today. It spoke to me on so many levels that I had to share it.

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.

Some “unexpected visitors”, that I really don’t want to see, have been knocking at my door a lot recently and they have really unsettled me. Perhaps it is because I’m tired and I’m not dealing with them well. Or perhaps it is because they’re raising issues that I have allowed to lie dormant for too long and now they’re demanding I wake up and pay attention.

It has not been one thing but a whole lot of things that have cumulatively built up into a strong presence demanding a lot of time and attention. I know in my heart I feel the way I do because something is brewing within me which requires me to do something only I don’t know what that is – although I do have my suspicions.

Experience has taught me that this is not all bad – I keep forgetting this. The rumblings of potential change are definitely being felt only what? how? when? where? why? – the questions are many.

Being true to oneself and living one’s passions is not an easy journey I have decided.

My mind is racing with possibilities and that’s exciting (I forgot about this part of the whole process until just now). I need to remember that these “unexpected visitors” are not random strangers. They are sent as guides to help me get to where I want to be, not hinder me.

Rumi, you are the best. Thank you.

Manifesto
27. Every day pain is a sign of growing.
28. Every day you will be tested.
42. Every day celebrate. Who you are. What you have achieved. Things that matter to you.