As I have been pondering on the ups and downs of life, a beautiful piece of writing by the 13th-century Persian poet Rumi came to my mind—perhaps because my favorite band Coldplay features it in a song entitled “Kaleidoscope” from their A Head Full of Dreams album.

I love how it compares being human to a “guest house” and how different emotions come as visitors. He urges gratitude, “because each has been sent as a guide from beyond.”

I feel this in my life. I’ve been through ups and downs, manic euphoria and crippling depression and anxiety. I do my best to welcome and entertain all of these parts of the bipolar and human experience. They give me a depth of feeling and compassion for myself and others that I wouldn’t likely have otherwise.

“Once upon a time, I tried to get myself together. Be more like the sky and welcome every kind of weather. Be more eagle-like and find the flight in every feather. Once upon a time, but I’m still trying to get better. Maybe I’m just crazy. I should just be a brick in the wall. Sit and watch the TV. Blame everyone else for it all. But I’m trying to trust in the heavens above, and I’m trying to trust in a world full of life. Fire and water, and constantly dream of the balance of things and the music between.”

How powerful those Coldplay lyrics from Moon Music are. May we all ebb and flow with the changing tides of life and look to help others, take responsibility for our lives, and move forward knowing that God and the universe are pulling for us.

Enjoy The Guest House and the videos for “Kaleidoscope” and “Moon Music” below.

The Guest House 

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. 

-Rumi