01:30

The Guest House By Rumi - A Poem

by Shannon Sullivan

Rated
4.8
Type
talks
Activity
Meditation
Suitable for
Everyone
Plays
1.3k

In this beautiful poem by Rumi, we explore how our own body is a guest house for emotions and feelings that might knock on our door unannounced. Rumi encourages us to let every one of them in as a spiritual practice for accepting ourselves in each moment. I hope you enjoy the poem. (Thank you for music by Chris Collins)

PoetryEmotional AcceptanceMindfulnessSpiritualitySelf AcceptanceTransforming SufferingMindfulness Of EmotionsBreath Awareness

Transcript

The Guesthouse by Rumi This being human is a guesthouse.

Every morning a new arrival.

A joy,

A depression,

A meanness.

Some momentary awareness comes as 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.

And take a deep breath in… And exhale… Have a beautiful day.

Namaste.

Meet your Teacher

Shannon SullivanTucson, AZ, USA

4.8 (205)

Recent Reviews

Caroline

November 6, 2025

I am so happy I came across this track. I use it on its own as a reminder to welcome all that comes throughout the day, or as preparation for a mindfulness of breath or metta practice. Thank you 🙏🏽

Olga

April 23, 2025

Having been in a bit of a dulldrum,your words reminded me that those moments are for a reason. To take the pause and own them, not jump down the rabbit hole with them to rule the day. Thank you for that. Namaste

LisaNanda

October 22, 2024

Shannon, that was a beautiful read! I love that poem so much but I haven’t heard it in a while so thank you for reminding me 🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️

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© 2026 Shannon Sullivan. 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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