Welcoming Emotions

Many people I visit with try to figure out their feelings, as if trying to find a final answer or a reason for these feelings. Emotions aren't set up for logic. There are sometimes reasons for our feelings, but there is often a disconnect between logical thought and emotions. A closer connection neurologically is found between our emotions and our senses. One important way to make sense of our emotions is to feel the impact they have on our senses. Welcome them in. Where are they knocking?

The following poem by Rumi expresses this in metaphorical terms.


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.

 
~ Rumi ~
 
 
(The Essential Rumi, versions by Coleman Barks)