In Scotland and Northern England there is a tradition at New Year of ‘First Footing’ that suggests that the first person to enter a house after the stroke of midnight, brings prosperity, favour, food and good cheer. The tradition even suggests what the person should look like to maximise the good fortune.
Whatever the origins, the custom is that of a traditional welcome to strangers, one and all, with the hope of good things for the coming year.
I am similarly reminded of a beautiful poem by the 13th Century Sufi writer Rumi, who talks about the human ability to welcome everything and everybody, no matter its nature, with open arms. Each can be a lesson in disguise.
Best wishes to your ‘guest house’ for good health & fortune in 2013.
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.Mewlana Jalaluddin Rumi 1207-1273
Cognitions . The Power of Partnership.
© Cognitions 2013