What's the Lesson?

Each morning, I start my day by reading a passage by someone who inspires me. The piece I read this morning is by the great Sufi poet Rumi: 

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.

I particularly like this piece because it’s relevant to so many events in our life: from the happy and joyous times to those of sadness and sorrow; from the small and seemingly inconsequential happenings to those that shake us to the core. Regardless of the magnitude of the event, Rumi reminds us to not only welcome the times/events that bring us peace and happiness, but to be open to the lessons that lay beneath the challenges that enter our lives. While it might seem impractical to do this all the time, I encourage you to try it every now and then. For example, if you get in an argument with a loved one, have a difficult exchange with a coworker, or perhaps you experience a string of negative events in your life, step back from the moment and ask yourself simply, "What is the lesson?" Perhaps it's a lesson in patience? Compassion? Resilience? It may be difficult to open yourself up to the difficult experiences in your life; however, it's often these events that turn out to be our greatest teachers and opportunities for growth.

--Nicole