Let's talk about emotion blogs
March 12th, 2023
The Guest House: my favorite poem about our emotions
I want to share a favorite poem of mine. When I think of a mindful way to process our feelings and reactions, this poem sums it up well. Our feelings come to help us learn about ourselves and they are not meant to last forever. They are not meant to run our lives or force us to make decisions or choose to act.
When we process our feelings (and our own humanness) in a welcome, respectful, curious and even humorous way, our feelings provide us with insight into ourselves and they tend to come and then go on their way.
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.
by Rumi