The Guest House

rumi field quoteI’d like to share one of my favorite poems with you. It’s a great reminder just before guests start knocking on your door this holiday season.

I’m still working on how I treat grouchy people in my life. Their negativity is extremely contagious and it’s sometimes challenging to honor them with open arms.

I recognize everyone and everything has some gift to offer, but sometimes I’m too exhausted to unwrap all the layers of the grouchy gifts.

So many years later, Rumi continues to inspire.

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.

By Stacey Hoffer

Stacey Hoffer is an ICF-certified mental health and emotional wellness coach, ancient feminine wisdom mentor, and upcoming author, who is powerful guide for cultivating deep inner peace. With a client list that includes Fortune 500 companies, the NFL, and women from all over the world, Stacey seamlessly blends evidence-based practices with ancient wisdom to deliver unparalleled transformations. Known for her comforting approach, Stacey helps her clients navigate life’s inevitable challenges while reconnecting to their inner strength and calm. Her work goes beyond surface solutions — she offers practical tools and soul-deep insights that empower individuals to live in alignment with their authentic selves. Stacey’s passion lies in guiding her clients back to their truest selves. Her message is clear: inner peace isn’t just attainable — it’s the foundation for a more joyful, empowered life. And it's a conscious, intentional, life long practice. Stacey believes If every person on this planet embodied self love and inner peace, we could achieve world peace.

1 comment

  1. That’s a very nice poem, laced with truths, thanks for sharing it.

    We have a similar one that we placed in all our guest house entrances in Cape Town and it reminds us and our staff to always treat our guests and ourselves with respect, coutesy and dignity.

    Guest House Cape Towns last blog post..Sweet Ocean View Guest House

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