I’m always looking for meaningful ways to help others understand and integrate the Internal Family Systems (IFS) approach into their lives. During my IFS training, which was truly transformative, I was introduced to Rumi’s beautiful poem, The Guest House. It has stayed with me ever since.
The poem beautifully captures the heart of IFS: every part of us, even the ones carrying difficult emotions, has a purpose. Rather than pushing away feelings like sadness, fear, shame, or anger, IFS encourages us to approach them with curiosity and compassion. What if these emotions aren’t problems to solve, but visitors with something important to teach us?
How comforting is that?
The Guest House
By Rumi (Translated by Coleman Barks)
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.
This poem makes me think, “Which part of me needs or wants to be heard in this moment?” “How is this part trying to help me right now?” “What are this part’s fears?”
Take a moment.
Close your eyes.
Breathe deeply in through your nose.
Exhale slowly through your mouth.
Repeat.
And notice…
Who is your internal visitor today? Invite them with an open heart, just as Rumi describes.
About Kellie McCall:
Kellie is a Licensed Professional Counselor and offers a nurturing approach to help you navigate emotions and improve daily functioning. She tailors her therapeutic methods to align with your unique needs with a comprehensive, holistic strategy that considers every facet of your life, ensuring the most beneficial support. She primarily uses IFS (Internal Family Systems, trained) as a source of empowerment. To learn more about Kellie, visit HERE.
Reference:
- Rumi, J. (2004). The Guest House (C. Barks, Trans.). In Rumi: Selected Poems. Penguin Books.