A Healing Poem hits Home

This poem is really resonating with me today. For those who I haven't told, I had a small stroke on Jan30th. It was not fun and almost all of Feb my primary focus has been on trying to recover and heal. Full healing can take 3-4 months with proper care. It's been scary and exhausting. My health is always somewhat in question with chronic conditions already. Finding the ability to grant myself grace through this period of healing has not been easy. I am learning though. Perhaps this is the lesson the "guest" of the stroke came to teach me?

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 are 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 whatever comes.
Because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.

— Rumi

xiaoyi