Rumi was a Persian poet,  theologian, scholar and mystic who lived in the 13th century.

Despite his being described by many as  “the most popular poet in America”,   I had never heard of Rumi until one of my good Twitter friends,  Helena Tubridy (@HelenaTubridy) introduced me to one of his poems,   The Guest House,  which was translated by American poet Mr. Coleman Barks,  author of best-selling  The Essential Rumi  and The Book of Love.

Not being a very good poet myself,  I have no beautiful words to describe how much this poem strikes a chord with me.   I just know that if I could ask somebody to write the most beautiful way to explain my thoughts on why we should embrace life,  and how to best approach all of the myriad feelings and events that a person can go through in life – all of the highs and lows,  the good and the bad,  and even the things we don’t understand – this would be it.

So through Mr. Coleman Barks,  who very kindly gave me permission to reprint this poem here at The Worry Games,  I would like to introduce my very first “Guest Blog Post”,   The Guest House  by Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi.

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.

-Rumi

Do you have a favorite Rumi piece you would like to share with me?   Please let me know in the comments and have a great day!