The Guest House by Jalaluddin Rumi
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.
By Jalaluddin Rumi
Rolling Out the Welcome Mat
Imagine answering the door to a whole parade of emotions: the ecstatic joy, the heart-wrenching sorrow, and that sarcastic little malice that just loves to point out all your flaws. Rumi says to “welcome and entertain them all.” Seriously, who knew we’d be hosting such a wild party in our heads?
Yes, some guests might come in and sweep your emotional furniture right off the floor, leaving you feeling empty. But before you panic and reach for the emotional fire extinguisher, remember that sometimes they’re just there to clear out space for something new. Think of it as an emotional spring cleaning—less clutter, more room for joy (or at least for that one vintage piece of wisdom you’ve been trying to find).
Meet the Uninvited with a Smile
Now, here’s the kicker: what if, instead of shoving those dark thoughts out the door, we greeted them with laughter? I mean, who doesn’t love a good laugh? Rumi suggests meeting those less-than-fun guests at the door with a chuckle and saying, “Hey there, come on in!”
Imagine sitting down with your anxiety, pouring it a cup of tea, and saying, “Let’s chat, shall we?” This isn’t just some whimsical exercise; it’s a powerful way to embrace your feelings without judgment. By acknowledging your guests—yes, even the rude ones—you might uncover valuable insights hidden beneath the surface.
Finding Wisdom in the Madness
So, what do these emotions want from us? Well, they’re kind of like annoying relatives at a family gathering: they just want to be heard. Every emotion has a story, a reason for showing up. When we engage with them, we can discover what they’re trying to tell us. Maybe that depression is pointing out an unmet need, or that flash of anger is highlighting a boundary that’s been crossed.
And here’s a little secret: these emotions can even help us grow. So, rather than pushing them out with a broomstick, try inviting them in for a little heart-to-heart. You never know what wisdom might emerge over a cup of metaphorical tea.
Gratitude for the Unexpected Guests
Rumi wraps up his guest list with the advice to “be grateful for whoever comes.” I know, I know—grateful for that crippling anxiety that keeps you up at night? But hear me out: gratitude can flip the script.
Instead of seeing your emotions as burdens, view them as opportunities. “Thank you, dark thoughts, for reminding me to take a break and breathe!” Or maybe, “Cheers to you, feelings of inadequacy, for pushing me to seek help and grow!”
So how do we put this into practice?
Mindfulness: Take a few minutes each day to simply sit with your emotions. When something arises, acknowledge it without judgment. It’s like giving your feelings a warm hug.
Journaling: Write about your experiences. Let it all flow—no need for perfect prose. Think of it as your emotional diary. Who knows what revelations you might uncover?
Talk It Out: Share your feelings with a trusted friend or therapist. Sometimes, a good chat is all it takes to lighten the load and gain perspective.
Get Creative: Whether it’s doodling, painting, or singing in the shower, let your emotions find expression through creativity.
Self-Compassion: Treat yourself like you would a friend. Remember, being human means feeling a full range of emotions, and that’s perfectly okay!
So, as we navigate this wild ride called life, let’s embrace our inner guest house. Let’s welcome each visitor—be it joy, sorrow, or even that pesky self-doubt—because each one has something to teach us. Who knows? You might just find that the path to healing and growth is paved with the very feelings you thought you wanted to shove out the door.
Next time a new guest arrives, remember to roll out the welcome mat, offer a smile, and open your heart. Because in this beautiful chaos of being human, every emotion has a place at the table.
Takeaways
Life is a vibrant guest house where every emotion, from joy to sorrow, deserves a warm welcome. By embracing our feelings—rather than shunning them—we uncover valuable insights and opportunities for growth. Rumi's wisdom encourages us to treat each emotion with honor, recognizing that even the darkest thoughts can guide us toward healing. By practicing mindfulness, journaling, and self-compassion, we can turn our inner chaos into a journey of self-discovery and acceptance
About the Author
Elizabeth Trujillo is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist providing virtual therapy services in English and Spanish to those living in California. Elizabeth specializing in trauma recovery, anxiety, and generational healing. With a deep passion for empowering moms to break the cycle of trauma, Elizabeth combines her expertise in mind-body-spirit modalities like CRM and ART with a compassionate, humorous approach. Drawing from her own experiences as a mother and a lifelong learner of psychology, she believes in the transformative power of emotional honesty and connection. Elizabeth is dedicated to helping women navigate the messy journey of motherhood while fostering resilience in themselves and their children.
