Befriend your emotions

Understandably, we prefer some emotions to others. Which emotions would you rather not experience? However, different emotions represent a whole range of the human experience and we have them for good reasons. Humble the Poet puts it this way: “Improve your relationship with all your emotions because there is a lot to discover from them. I am grateful to have a variety of emotions. They teach me something new about myself on a regular basis.”

Persian poet and Sufi mystic Rumi famously reflected the same sentiment in his poem The Guest House.

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.

This week let’s become aware of our emotions and welcome them.

HOW TO: Whenever you notice yourself having an emotional reaction to something, pause for a moment and try to name it – what kind of emotion is it? Then ask yourself – what is this about? Look for the undercurrent of meaning. For example, on the surface you might get angry because your partner didn’t put his dishes away, but underneath it is really about you feeling depleted.