What We Leave Behind

Weekly wisdom to bring you home, in 2 minutes or less.

A SHORT STORY

I was in New Zealand last week, working on my Dad's house and trying to discover what he left behind.

I took a lot of walks while I was there and came across a Buddhist metaphor I'm still thinking about.

The Buddha once described our life as being like a hotel room.

Eventually, you have to leave it, and you try your best not to leave it in a mess.

The work you've done is placed neatly on the desk, but you shouldn't cling to it.

Your time in this body and this identity is short, lasting only for a brief check-in before you move on.

So while you have this time, you do what you can with it.

Which has me thinking, for you and me:

How do we want to spend our time?

A POEM

“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.

Grateful,

Michael