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

Emotions are the intricate threads woven into the tapestry of human experience. They are the colors that paint our lives with depth, meaning, and intensity. Much like the changing seasons, emotions come and go, each carrying its unique essence. From the warmth of joy to the weight of sadness, from the blaze of anger to the serenity of contentment, emotions guide us through the rich landscape of existence.

A key aspect of navigating the terrain of emotions is mindfulness. Mindfulness is the art of being present in the moment without judgment. It’s the practice of observing emotions as they arise, acknowledging their presence, and allowing them to unfold without resistance. This practice fosters an intimate connection with our emotional landscape, enabling us to understand the roots of our feelings and reactions.

Rumi’s metaphor of the ‘guesthouse’ beautifully encapsulates the essence of emotions and mindfulness. Emotions, like guests, arrive unexpectedly at the door of our consciousness. Just as we would greet guests with hospitality, we can welcome emotions with acceptance. Each emotion carries a message, a lesson to be learned. Through mindfulness, we listen attentively to these messengers, learning from their wisdom and deciphering the inner currents of our being.

Embracing feelings with mindfulness doesn’t imply uncontrolled surrender. Rather, it’s about acknowledging emotions without being overwhelmed by them. Mindfulness empowers us to respond to emotions consciously rather than react impulsively. This self-awareness provides the space for choice – to act from a place of clarity rather than the turbulence of unchecked feelings.

In the grand symphony of existence, emotions are the diverse notes that create a melody uniquely ours. By practicing mindfulness, we become skilled conductors, orchestrating the flow of emotions in harmony with the rhythm of life. As we embrace each emotion with an open heart and a clear mind, we journey toward emotional intelligence, inner balance, and a profound understanding of what it means to be human.”

Of course, joy, amusement, amazement, love feel much better and we would prefer to live only in them, but fear makes us pay attention, anger sets clear boundaries. All this is expressed in the body and in movement and will be part of our training: Embodied Emotion will take place in November 2023.