By Gaynor Levisky, Certified Life & Weight Loss Coach
I read this poem by Rumi and fell in love. The concept of inviting all emotion into your life sounds so beautiful in poetry.
If you have ever pushed away an emotion, read this poem to see another perspective.
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.
– Jelaluddin Rumi,
(translation by Coleman Barks)
As a life coach, I teach people to feel their feelings. I know, it sounds silly even simple but it is not always that easy. Most of us have learned not to feel our feelings.
I often use the metaphor of hosting a party to help illustrate the importance of welcoming emotion – good and bad. Imagine opening the door and inviting all your emotions into your home. When happy shows up it’s great because happy is fun. But when lonely, frustrated or regret show up we lock the door and pretend we’re not home. Who wants that kind of house guest?!
The truth is those emotions will crash the party every time. They show up whether you want them or not.
Next time they crash your party, invite them in. It will surprise them. It will surprise you. Ask them what brought them to your party. Have a conversation with frustrated, lonely and regret. You will learn from them if you are willing to be a good host.
Enjoy your party, it’s called Life.
Breakthrough Junction offers nutrition and life coaching services through the expert team of Stefanie Copple a Registered Dietitian and Gaynor Levisky a Certified Life Coach.