Unfiltered love on Baden Street, San Francisco.

Unfiltered glory of a LoveYou2 stencil sign “hello again” on Baden Street surrounded by wild fennel.

The message behind the “hello again” stenciled sign so on point for me this week. It reminds me of the Rumi poem, The Guesthouse. What it takes to develop a practice of welcoming all the feelings and experiences with similar delight - whether they arrive as a joy or a teacher.

The Guesthouse

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.