English & Literature

What story is the poem telling us? What does it mean?

“The Guest House”

This being human is a guest house.

Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,some momentary awareness comesas an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!

Even if they are a crowd of sorrows,who violently sweep your houseempty of its furniture,still, treat each guest honorably.

He may be clearing you outfor 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 sentas a guide from beyond.

— Rumi

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This famous poem is telling us not to avoid negative emotion rather acknowledge them and let them into your consciousness. We should greet the negative and the positive with a similar empathy not getting drawn into the feelings they convey.