The Guest House – Rumi

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A colleague at the FCCMA / ICMA distributed this poem, from the 13th century, name the Guest House by Rumi. It resonated with me and I had to share. As with all great works, I will let you find the meaning you derive from it. However, I think it especially imported for executive to read. Enjoy.

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’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.

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