The Guest House

In today's meditation session, I met a delightful poem. Usually, when I feel anxiety at night, the feeling goes on in my mind when I encounter a new morning. "Every morning a new arrival" is good to remind in my mind. Even though I feel similar emotions in every morning, my feelings must not be the same. Everything is new. Every moment is new. Welcome everything into my mind.
Welcome my anxiety. Welcome my depression. Welcome my happiness. Welcome everything.

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

-- Jelaluddin Rumi,
translation by Coleman Barks