Live Whole Health #146: Welcoming your guests – all of them

The turkey is roasting. The house is in order. The table is set. What about the guests? Being surrounded by others is one of the greatest gifts of the season.

Whether in our home, a family members’, or a local community center, being in the company of other people can be both joyful and difficult. Our nature as humans is to be in community with others. And this can bring all kinds of emotions and behaviors. Some we define as positive and some we define as negative.

The following recording of the poem, “The Guest House,” by Rumi, will help you think about those guests that you might now feel so excited to entertain.

Read the poem here:

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’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.

Why are my relationships important?

Relationships can affect our emotional, mental, and physical health and well-being. Connections to family, friends, community, and even animals can reduce stress and improve your physical and emotional well-being.

The resources offered here will help support you as you work on your connections with others: https://www.va.gov/WHOLEHEALTH/circle-of-health/family-friends-coworkers.asp.