The Guest House by Rumi

Link: http://bitterootpatience.blogspot.com/2011/04/guest-house-by-rumi_17.html

This human being 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 attend 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.

Welcome difficulty.  Learn the alchemy 
True Human Beings know:  the moment you accept 
what troubles you've been given, the door opens.

Welcome difficulty as a familiar comrade;  Joke with 
Torment brought by the Friend.

Sorrows are the rags of cold clothes
and jackets that serve to cover
and then are taken off.

That undressing,
and the beautiful
naked body underneath 
is the sweetness
that comes after grief.