The guest house within

Tender by Tina Derusha

Part I - A quote by Rumi, the 13th-century poet

"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."

Part II - Contemplation

The heart has its own seasons.

Let them come.

Let them be welcomed.

Spring arrives with tender beginnings.

Curiosity, hope, and the tremble of new growth.

Summer expands.

Warmth, connection, celebration, and bright intensity.

Autumn gathers and releases.

Clarity, boundaries, the soft ache of change.

Winter rests.

Deep quiet, nourishment, the honest weight of feeling.

Meet each visitor at the door.

Joy.

Grief.

Anger.

Peace.

Offer them a seat.

Listen with your whole chest.

Feel the breath move in and out.

This week, may you honor the season you are in.

May you welcome what arrives and bless what departs.

May your heart be a guest house,

and may you find kindness for every room.

(((tina d.)))