Embracing Emotions

Negative emotions such as unhappiness, sadness, grief, anxiety and anger tend to be rejected while positive emotions are accepted. Why not embrace all emotions both negative and positive. Given the balance of life it is expected for one to experience both positive and negative emotions from time to time. Embracing both these types of emotions may make them more manageable. Rejecting these emotions may possibly make managing them more difficult.

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.

By J Rumi