This Being Human

Many times over the past 25 years I've heard clients say something along the lines of "The other day I had an awful panic attack and I was terrified I'd be stuck in that fear forever." Never once have I heard, "The other day I was really happy and I thought I might get stuck in that happiness forever."

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We judge our feelings, emotions and experiences as either "good" or "bad" and then run from the "bad" while clinging desperately to the "good." If you've been there you know that this takes a lot of energy and can cause great suffering.

 

Sufi poet Jelaluddin Rumi offered us a different perspective, certainly a higher perspective that is as true today as when he wrote it in the 13th Century.

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THE GUEST HOUSE
By Rumi

This human being 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.

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Until next month, remember: All is moving toward the good.