After four nights away, it’s good to be home.

“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 attend 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”

~Rumi

Trying to learn something new at my age, I often feel annoyingly incompetent. Fortunately, I have many friends who guide me.

Among them, Sufi poet and master, Mevlana Muhammad Jelalladin Balkhi Rumi.

Learning requires humility and courage. A recognition of ignorance, and understanding that a thought or action is a mere data point. I can choose a different thought or action, or I can choose to approach from another angle.

My daily early morning walk is my home. Quiet. Without company. A time when there are no societal requirements. Without interruptions, I can think. I really don’t want anyone else there with me. Not kidding. Obviously, I’m friendly and extraverted but not on my morning walk. #dailyconstitutional #donteventry #seriously

With guidance from the master, I must welcome the positives and, with equal joy, the negatives that I face. Both externally and between my ears. It’s where the next step must be taken.

On morning walks I greet these visitors: my thoughts. With acceptance at least. Still working on the “joy” part. Along the way, I’ve discovered I like folks with fluffy white hair.

Shukriya Mevlevi.

Next up: Road Atlanta Blockbuster Series: Too Many Adventures!