Anne Lamott is at her absolute best in her new book Somehow: Thoughts on Love. She writes about her usual topics – her difficult son and adorable grandson, her kind second husband, beloved friends, the local homeless, her small church, her large sobriety. There’s no shortage of struggles in daily life or the world around her. But grace has found her, and she has found grace. She stands in the river of love with a hand outstretched, saying – come on in, the water’s just fine.
She begins the collection with a poem by Rumi that I’d love to share with you today…
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 cleaning 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.
-Rumi, translated by Coleman Barks
***
Good Morning Jennifer, Thanks for sharing today. I will be ordering Lamott’s book. I have most of hers. She is wonderful. A friend of mine recommended Rumi (Bark’s translation too) to me a few years ago. I read them all–fascinating! And Guest House is my friend’s favorite Rumi poem. As always, your photos are beautiful and fill me with you. Peace, LaMon
Good morning, LaMon! I do not think you will be disappointed by Lamott’s latest. It is always so good to hear from you! I need to spend some more time in Rumi’s company. Xoxo
I love the poem – it kind of reminds me of a quote from a different spiritual tradition. C.S. Lewis wrote of prayer that “we must set before God what is in us – not what ought to be in us.” It seems like Rumi and C.S. Lewis are acknowledging that we might as well be honest about what we’re feeling if we want to come out the other side!
Your garden after a rain shower is a delight.
Wow I love that remark by C.S. Lewis. Thank you, dear Mary. I do love a wet garden! Xoxo
I love Anne Lamott—will check this one out. Your flowers are lovely as are you. ❤️
I am so happy to hear your voice this morning, Mary! Thank you for being in touch. And for your great kindness always. Sending love. Xoxo
Lovely
Thank you, Jack! Xoxo
So lovely. Even though I don’t want to welcome those bad feelings, there’s wisdom in the embrace.
This is going to sound so corny, but I’ve been welcoming the bad feelings lately with the phrase – “it’s still a good day to be alive.” Smiling. And meaning it. It has been useful. Love you, Beth! Xoxo
This poem came at just the right time for me. Thank you, Jennifer!
I love it when poems find us at just the right moment. Thank you so much for letting me know, Allison! Xoxo
So insightful! “This too shall pass” is a platitude that has served me. The thought of inviting all times as a visitor elevates their meaning, even if unknown at the moment. I love it.
We can welcome them – and then see them to the door before TOO long!! Xoxo
What a beautiful post…. I love “The Guest House” AND the colorful flowers. You are probably familiar with Thomas Keating’s Welcome Prayer. Same idea, though Rumi is far more poetic. Many thanks!