I am on the third day of an Andrew Holmes Heartbeat workshop. We have been dancing emotions and dancing deep. Connecting with our bodies in a way that we don't usually do, taking time to feel if how different emotions resonate within our bodies. Andrew started with this poem by Rumi and I just love it. To think about emotions neutrally, neither good nor bad, to be welcomed and respected and treated honourably as a guest. Acknowledging that guests are temporary but being grateful for the learning that each one of them brings.
The Guest House by Rumi
This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.
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 honourably.
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honourably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.
for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.
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.
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.
Rumi wrote this poem 800 years ago and it is just so true!
