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 all furniture,
still treat each 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.
I conclude this long overdue installment for late spring anticipating summer, with an apology. Life just got too too busy with the departures and separations, packing and concluding of journeys to and from Santa Fe, for me to take the time to write. Several of you called and wrote texts and emails asking if I were alright in my silences. I am. I close with some thoughts about June.
The longest days of the season of the sun reach their zenith on June 21, just a little less than three weeks from now. The next full moon—called the Strawberry Moon—will rise on June 24th, three days after the Solstice, when the sun climbs to the northernmost position, marking the bright air with victory and triumph. During the brief nights, the sumptuous summer constellations fly overhead as earth tilts away from the Milky Way out toward the ‘vast expanse of interstellar space’ where the galaxies, suns and planets all spin in the courses.
When we look south, we look into the Virgo Galaxy Cluster to which we belong. Yes, we have a home, but it is so far away. Even though we take are invited to vacate to deconstruct and reconstruct our lives once more, finding beauty and solitude on the edge of the abyss; because it is our nature. We pick flowers, dance in the sun, wander in the surf and dine on sumptuous fresh garden vegetables and produce, which the ‘earth has given and human hands have made.’ It is Summer. Enjoy the wonder and delight, and please remember to relax and enjoy.
