The Guest House

Rumi's poem, "The Guest House," metaphorically considers the boundaries of our lives and the tour guides we encounter.

Personally it made me think of the endless explorations in my house dreams and how I feel when I go nomadic, that my house is me.

I am thankful to my friend, Colleen, for recently giving me a copy:

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.

Technorati tag: urban camping, rumi, guest house, poetry, lifestyle, boundaries, guides, travel, art