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.

Being human doesn't mean you have to lead a perfect and constantly happy lifestyle. Acceptance in practice comes from within. It's one thing that you say and one thing that you believe. When you find yourself saying out loud and believing in yourself, you are ACCEPTING in practice. 

All situations happen for you, not to you by choosing to "react". More than often we learn that expressing a reaction is seen as "too emotional" and negative which isn't true. The balance is learning to accept the animal reaction or emotion which arises, and consciously deciding what is the best way to express it/them in order to serve you. 

Just as Rumi says "welcome and entertain them all [and] be grateful for whoever comes".

With joy & belief,

Bri and Holly