In life, there is a duality whether we like it or not.
Happy days, sad days, frustrating days.
It’s important to remember on the difficult days
not to be flattened by the circumstances.
We can make the choice to…
let our experiences harden or soften us.
feel victimized by the events or empowered.
curl up in defeat or stand strong in our faith.
give into fear or expand our courage.
put up protective walls or live compassionately.
We can not shield ourselves from the human experience,
but we can move more fluidly through it by practicing
acceptance rather than struggle and resistance.
It’s helpful to remember that pain is the catalyst
****
This being human is a guest house.
Every morning is a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness...
comes as an unexpected visitor...
Welcome and entertain them all.
Treat each guest honorably.
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.”
- Rumi
for softening our edges, expanding our hearts,
and gaining wisdom…****
This being human is a guest house.
Every morning is a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness...
comes as an unexpected visitor...
Welcome and entertain them all.
Treat each guest honorably.
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.”
- Rumi
