Looking back, I notice that many of my recent posts have been engaged with topics that are at least somewhat freighted with the emotions we label as the "difficult" ones. Sadness, frustration, anger, grief. Not surprisingly, of course, these tones of darkness reflect, fairly accurately, some of the circumstances and struggles I have encountered over the past 3-4 months. And, of course, that's OK. Not
delightful, exactly (or at least it isn't easy to see the delightfulness in all of it!)... but I truly believe that my only good choice is to practice acceptance and even, insofar as I can manage it, a welcoming stance to all phenomena. I am reminded (constantly, it seems) of the magnificent poem by Rumi, below. It is a poem that I first heard read aloud during a sitting meditation session in an MBSR training group session. I was blown away by it then, and I still am, today.
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
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