Unexpected Visitors

I'm spending this year working on my emotional intelligence and all the false and cruel things I have over time come to believe about myself. I found this poem by Rumi this week, and it speaks to every emotion that comes and floods and threatens to drown me, if I don't give them ownership over my happiness and confidence.

It's fitting that he describes them as momentary visitors- good and bad because this week, I also learned that as painful emotions come in waves, they dissipate in about 60 to 90 seconds, if you can learn to remember that and temper your reactions and thoughts about yourself or your situation to this knowledge. I learnt this little science and then found it in art through Rumi's words as well.

We find this sentiment also of course, in the saying that, 'This too shall pass.' And thankfully, we weren't sold any lies. Our current 'This' does always and eventually pass.

Whatever it is, you will make it through it. When I think of all the countless heartaches I have made it past, (which have been mild compared to what many other people even have) I have to acknowledge that I am strong. Despite how it might feel at times.

You are too. You are strong. Believe it. Own it. Hold on to it, and let that be the hand that ushers these painful emotions out, when they have overstayed their visits.

The central quote to this blog is Rumi's and yet again, as always, the wisdom in his words is always so poignant and so relatable to me. I hope it meets you where you are too.

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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 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.