The Guest House

Emotions.

Many of us are not taught how to “be” with the many emotions we experience each day. Instead we identify with them.

I am sad. I am happy. I am angry.

However, we are not our emotions. We experience emotions. Several. Daily. Just like thoughts.

Emotions are simply energy in motion. They come and go. The more accurate way to express feeling an emotion would be…

I feel sad. I feel happy. I feel angry.

Let Rumi’s poem help you ‘be’ with, and be grateful for, emotions. It’s one of my favorites and has helped me through the years. May it support you.

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 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.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice.
meet them at the door laughing and invite them in.

Be grateful for whatever comes.
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.

by Rumi, book/translation by Coleman Parks