Live Whole Health #252: The Guest House: Who’s there?

Do you remember the days when the doorbell rang, and you just opened the door to greet whoever was standing there? The days when the phone rang, and we had no idea who was calling but we just picked it up? Today we have ways of seeing who wants our attention before we even look through the peephole or pick up the call. Even better, we get to choose who we let in!

Consider for a moment how these conveniences might prevent us from being open to the unexpected… how knowing who is at the door or who is calling might allow us to shut out the unexpected or unwanted guests.

Many studies have shown a decline of civility over the last few decades. Perhaps our technology has contributed to this decline. Our ways of “screening out” unwanted guests might not be good for our overall health and well-being after all. Building resilience means having to deal with whatever shows up and learning to navigate the challenges along the way.

The 13^th Century poet, Rumi, shares this message in his poem, “The Guest House.” He invites us to consider how we might welcome the unwelcome guests and possibly learn something from each one.

Follow along with this one-minute reading of Rumi’s The Guest House:

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.