My affection (did I just use that word?!?) for poetry continues to grow (Silver Lining). Wow. So cool. This poem by Rumi is yet another poem that jumped out at me and said, “Read Me! Let Me In! Pay ATTENTION!”
I truly hope it does the same for you.
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.
— Jelaluddin Rumi,
translation by Coleman Barks
I've always loved this poem, thanks for sharing Hollye~
I Love this and I love you!
Oh yes, I understand how it spoke to you. I feel it too.
I have just finished reading this blog from start to finish and I am exhausted! And educated. And inspired. I love the mix of fashion, food and your FBC experience all rolled into one wonderfully witty and very personal journey. I was diagnosed with DCIS in 2009, had a mastectomy, was then diagnosed with thyroid cancer, had a thyroidectomy and last week went in for a mammogram of my last remaining breast and darn, darn, darn now I have to go in for a biopsy tomorrow because they saw "something" they don't like and they want to be extra extra extra cautious due to my BC and other C history. I'm hoping for the best and preparing for the not so best and your blog has been so helpful in so many ways. Thank you times a hundred for sharing your experiences. I'm also delighted to know you are thiiissss close to veganism. It is a wonderful way to move through the world…not hurting other creatures for appetite or vanity's sake. Bless you!
Hollye,
This is one of my favorite poems; I am sharing a favorite passage of mine and hope it brings you strength. xo. Toni
"I can do all things through him who give me strength" Phillippians 4:13