01:50

The Guesthouse

by Dee Hennessy

Rated
4.8
Type
talks
Activity
Meditation
Suitable for
Everyone
Plays
1.7k

The Guest House by 13th century Persian poet Rumi, is a reminder not to resist the thoughts and emotions passing through you but rather to meet them with courage, warmth, and respect. I think of this poem as a meditation or prayer - slowly seeping into my being so that I begin to cultivate, little by little ,the skill of equanimity or balance. My life becomes more peaceful then as I naturally begin to respond more wisely rather than react to life's inevitable stressors. My wish for you is that you give these wise words time to seep into you and work their magic.

Transcript

This being human is a guesthouse,

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 honourably.

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.

The Guesthouse by Rumi

Meet your Teacher

Dee HennessyKilkenny, County Kilkenny, Ireland

4.8 (219)

Recent Reviews

Peggy

September 23, 2025

Whatever the guest is bringing will help you. Remember this!

Caitlin

April 1, 2025

Beautiful reading Dee. Thanks for sharing this practice. πŸ₯°πŸ™πŸ«ΆβœŒοΈ

Peace

January 21, 2025

Thank you πŸ™ Dee as always for sharing this lovely Rumi story

Haiki

September 22, 2024

Simple, and profound. I love the "space" around these words. Thank you for sharing this poem. I plan to listen often. πŸŒ™

Zenvyre

September 12, 2024

Beautifully read. Calming. Enriching. Dee’s voice is so soothing. I will return to this one again and again. Thanks, Dee.

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Β© 2025 Dee Hennessy. All rights reserved. All copyright in this work remains with the original creator. No part of this material may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the copyright owner.

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