What Is This Feeling Teaching Me?
Sitting with uncomfortable emotions, such as anger, sadness, grief, fear and shame, can be so challenging. We may want to avoid the discomfort by distracting ourselves or resisting these emotions. What if we allowed ourselves to feel these feelings for a moment, knowing that feelings come and go? To pause, be curious and notice the feeling that is visiting. To listen to our feelings helps us open a door to deeper understanding and healing. We can ask: What is this feeling teaching me about myself and others?
One of my favourite poems ‘The Guest House’ by Rumi summarises this so well.
The Guest House, by Rumi
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 honourably.
[They] 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.