The Guest House by 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.
Sufi Mystic & Poet, Rumi wrote the Guest House all the way back in the 13th Century. Today it was on the Daily Calm 7/25/21. It reminds us that when challenges come our way, they will pass through and go away. Tomorrow is a Brand New Day. Actually your next moment in time is brand new, it’s up to you, to do what is needed to stay calm, centered and peaceful.
This past Friday, I was complaining to my spiritual teacher about some money issues. He actually got pretty pissed off, because of all that has been taught to me and reminded me to Meditate. (And never speak of lack, because our subconscious minds Don’t differentiate your positive or negative thoughts. So its best to think in abundance).
My instructions for the week were to meditate every evening for 3 minutes. I just did 3 days in a row at 2 x 12 minutes cycles per day. The meditation brings calm, peace and is good for overall health and wellness.
Rumi even goes on to tell us that some challenges, may just be stepping stones to bigger and better opportunities to come our way. Today’s challenge, will be tomorrows victory!
When things feel rough and tumble, take a moment and meditate. It may feel difficult at first, but the more you do it, the more peace meditation will provide.
Some Tips: The Daily Calm app provides a new meditation every day. It only takes 10-12 minutes. This app is my favorite. And it has an emergency SOS meditation, that I do when work feels like it’s too frantic and frustrating. I would recommend the Daily Calm App.
Or go on YouTube and choose a guided meditation. There are so many to choose from. Something for every challenge, difficulty or dilemma.
It’s in the silence that our best ideas are produced. There’s no right or wrong way to meditate. I would recommend to “Just Do It” Daily if you can. Don’t even worry about sitting perfectly or anything like that. Just close your eyes, listen and breathe.
I’m actually still a bit wound up from this past week and will stop writing and dial up another meditation. This time, my 2nd all time favorites-Yoga Nidra by Brenda Kwon. No matter how many house mates invade my brain, Yoga Nidra is a great go-to stress reliever. Try and do 20-45 minutes if you can. I guarantee Yoga Nidra will work. I even did it at the dentist one time and didnt even feel the new tooth being inserted into my mouth.
Yoga Nidra, The Daily Calm and even the quick and effective SOS will provide relief for whatever it is your mind thinks is happening. Remember, it is us that chooses our thoughts, not our boss, partner or surroundings. Give Meditation a try. Be Grateful to be alive. It’s a precious gift we are given.
Have a Positive, Pleasant, Peaceful Day!
Huna Das 