The Guest House

Angela's Oaxacan Bowl of Floral offerings, surrounded by items she collected on a hike.

As seen at a private Yin Practice at my home. 

I always leave my Yin Yoga practice inspired on some level and today was no exception. The Yogi (the inspirational Angela) read a poem from Rumi that I have been contemplating and smiling about all day! 

For those of you who are not familiar Rumi  (1207 – 17 December 1273), was a 13th-century Persian poet, jurist, Islamic scholar, theologian, and Sufi mystic. He has a big story and a rich history behind his work and wisdom His poems have been widely translated into many of the world's languages and transposed into various formats. Rumi has been described as the "most popular poet"and the "best selling poet" in the United States.   (Read More Here)

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 are 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 whatever comes.

because each has been sent

as a guide from beyond.

— Jellaludin Rumi,

Contemplate the above perspective when your next guest comes to call. Can you imagine adapting this perspective and how you would automatically shift to a place of acceptance and gratitude for all that knocks at your door? This is exactly how this poem makes me feel. I'm creating space for everything and remembering in challenging times when we don't get what we think we want, perhaps things are only being cleared out to make room for some new delight! A guest house is a wonderful analogy as we are all just passing through, accepting the non permanence and learning lessons, bound for points beyond.

There IS true POWER in PERCEPTION.

Can you feel the shift? Time to make some Rumi ...

The beautiful Yogi goddess reclining into a child's pose, one of my favorites.
Connect with Angela via her WEBSITE