Being Human is a Guest House by Rumi

Being Human is a Guest House (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 it’s 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.”  

-Rumi

My sweet friend Annabelle posted this poem on her blog and I wanted to share it with you here too!

http://yoga-off-the-mat.blogspot.com/2008/07/my-inner-teacher.html

Nourishing our Spirits through Kirtan

Right after writing my last post I began musing on how important it is to have things that bring us joy and inspiration in order to nourish our spirits during challenging times: things like friendship, art, movement, music – these all encourage us to open our hearts and allow us to face challenges with more ease.  

I am absolutely filled with gratitude for this practice of Kirtan Chant that I have so joyfully invited into my life.  We are all part of something greater and the singing of Divine names together with others is a beautiful way to tap into this; to allow our true selves to shine through and to truly know the connection that we have with all that is. And this knowing is what will see us through even the most challenging of times.

Jai!! May we all play!!

Lotus Centre Kirtan, London, ON – photo by Richard Gilmore

 

Joy over Obama’s election and “A New Spirit of Service”!

As I write this, my first post, I am tingling with excitement, hope, joyful anticipation and absolute elation over Barack Obama’s election as President of the United States!!! This is truly an historic event – one that signifies a massive shift in how a very many Americans want to exist in this world. 

Imagine this: Fear taking a back seat to Love and Hope! POSSIBILITY is vibrating through the air today – absolutely everywhere it seems!

Obama is a symbol of what we are becoming. Although Obama is still a human being who is capable of making mistakes (as all of us are), he is an inspiring example of the consciously evolving beings that we are more and more choosing to be.  He represents a new humanity that knows it can make choices that benefit ALL of life.  Indeed, this is just the beginning, and as Obama said last night: 

“It can’t happen without you, without a new spirit of service….where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves but each other.”

Imagine if each of us chose to be mindful of these words and began to affect change in our own ways, however big or seemingly small they may be? What would be possible?!

May we all be blessed as we face the realities of  living in very interesting and challenging times. And may Barack Obama be blessed with safety, support,  wise guidance and love as he begins his journey of leadership and inspiring change.

Cartwheel Galaxy (Infinite Possibilities) 4