7 January 16
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, The Guest House
Bo and I have two one-year-old daughters, can you even believe? They continue to delight. Nora said "na na" recently for banana, Bea's been taking a few steps, they crack each other up quite constantly: just the other night Bea's hair was all wet in the tub, and Nora realized she could move it around with her hands, and they both died laughing. Bea came over to the front of the tub to look at her reflection in the tub fixings. Nora flops around in the tub sometimes like a mermaid on ecstasy. We had two lovely Christmases, full of cuddles and books and Bea's wrinkle-nosed grin and Nora spinning around so fast on her toes in a jumper. We've gone on lots of walks and hikes, thanks to some wildly inappropriate end-of-December weather. Both girls go right to the door of the den and reach towards the doorknob. Outside! Let's go on an adventure!
I certainly feel that constant pull between desires that are mine all mine and those that are ostensibly for their benefit -- and of course the knowledge that both help both in a feedback loop. Trying to make sense of the synchronicity reminds me of the constant desire (especially in January, in the return from such a long and delightful break) to go fast, get in the swing of things, be productive! while also maintaining mindfulness, calm, being healthy in mind and spirit. Both help both.