Writing inspired by The Guest House by Rumi
This being human is a choice I made. I sometimes wonder why I decided to return to this heavy body on earth again. Floating among the stars with God was pure perfection. But alas I had work to do, so I re-entered earth’s atmosphere for another adventure.
Once I got here and grew and matured, I realized the life I was living was not the one I thought I had signed up for. I imagined a lovely childhood, perfect marriage, kids, home, meaningful work, laughing, fun. That’s not what I received. Many times, I looked back at my contract, thinking I must have gotten the wrong one. Life was hard, none of my perceived dreams had come true.
But what I found though was indeed I had not chosen wrongly. My contract clearly read forgiveness is your mission this go-round. And you, my friend, will have a lot to forgive. Had I known all of this would I have returned?
A few years ago, I would have said Hell No. I’m not up for that kind of forgiveness. But now, well, it’s a different story. I have learned to say The End to guilt and shame and poor me. I have stopped the story of I can’t, I want, and this is too hard.
I’ve swept the guest house floor clean of sorrows, resentments, judgements and have opened the doors to desire, delight, forgiveness, and a new way of living that arrived on the wings of this pandemic. Guilt, pain, and anger are not worth holding on to. The man behind the curtain has been exposed. No longer will I believe in his lies. But spend my days going forward, welcoming Peace, Love, and Joy, for that is who I am.
Jamie Lyn Weaver
Art in the time of the Corona Virus – We invite the members of the Anawim Arts Community to embrace the vital capacity of art and spirituality to speak to our current situation. The works in this series will be gathered into a special edition of our on-line journal.
We welcome your comments. Please note: To reduce spam or inappropriate comments, comments for first time contributors are posted after approval by the editors.
The imagery of sweeping the house is beautiful. It takes courage and hope to live this way. I am glad that the reward is delight.
I needed to hear these words. Why me? Why not me? I have forgotten that lesson or at least allowed it to collect in the corner of the room, like dust. Thank you for writing this. Peace!
Glad you re-entered the atmosphere so we could hear your well strung words for change.