Do you know Rumi’s metaphor for dealing with negative events?

Set by ginnerobot via FlickrThe Guest House

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 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 whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.

I don’t know who translated this version.  If you are happy for your work to remain here, please tell me so that I can link to you and link to your books on Amazon.  Thank you.

Thank you for reading. This blog is my scribble-pad where I work out my own ideas. Do feel free to download any of my notes and presentations, or capture this post in pdf. I publish all my work with a Creative Commons license of By and Share-A-Like. This means you can use my work, change my work, and even make money from my work provided you acknowledge my contribution and allow every one else in turn to use any derivatives (meaning the original and any changes you have made) on the same terms. I look forward to your comments.
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