8/31/2011

...on being human...

It is very difficult for me to remember sometimes that I am human.  I don't have magical powers and am not all knowing all the time.  I have many frailties and it is only by grace that I can wake up each day, move through the day accomplishing what I can and lay down to rest at night. 

...and get up tomorrow and do it again...

I forget that life is a gift to be lived fully....to love, and enjoy to the best of my ability moment to moment.

I am grateful today to be alive and awake.

I borrowed the poem below from my virtual friend Angela Wales Rockett who has also borrowed it from Rumi.  It is just what I needed today....


The Guest House



(c)Ruth Hunter


 
This being human is a guest house.

Every morning a new arrival.


'The Welcoming'
(c)Ruth Hunter

A joy, a depression, a meanness,

some momentary awareness comes

as an unexpected visitor.


(c)Ruth Hunter

Welcome and entertain them all!

Even if they are 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.



(c)Ruth Hunter

The dark thought, the shame, the malice.

meet them at the door laughing and invite them in.


(c)Ruth Hunter

Be grateful for whatever comes.

because each has been sent

as a guide from beyond.




(c)Ruth Hunter

 
-- Jelaluddin Rumi,

translation by Coleman Barks





6 comments:

Sue said...

Ruth, these paintings are so brilliant, and they work so well with the lovely poem.
I love these vibrant , but broken colours and layers, the dreamlike figures, the very enigmatic atmosphere - just beautiful!

Angela Wales Rockett said...

Nicely done! Beautiful paintings.

Ruth Hunter said...

thank you Sue and Angela! I seem to learn more about myself and my images in retrospect. I will often paint something and later find a writing, a song, or a conversation with a friend that sheds a little more light on the image. ...and of course the image meanings change over time as well...
it's an interesting ride

hueili said...

I love you work ,beautiful and very much connect to the human soul connect . word can't express enough .

hueili said...

I love you work ,beautiful and very much connect to the human soul connect . word can't express enough .

Ruth Hunter said...

thank you Hueili! the image speaks volumes...