The craziest part? I’ve chosen all of this. 3 months ago I decided I needed more floor space than my 500 sq. ft. carpeted apartment was offering me, was aching to play with kittens, and exercise my creative crafty side.
I’m not surprised by the fact that the things that I think and desire become reality – thoughts become things people, thoughts become things – but the ensuing emotional weather and life lessons never cease to amaze, astonish, and inspire me. The simple experience of amazement, astonishment, and inspiration are weather and lessons that make the chaos, craziness, and confusion bearable and occasionally even enjoyable.
We all have our own way of desiring and thinking that yield our own perfect storms. To help me weather the storms, I often read 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.
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.
~ Rumi ~
(The Essential Rumi, versions by Coleman Barks)
