I was touched by the comments I received after writing about having the blues last Friday, and grateful for what they reminded me:
- I am not defective or any less valuable when I slip out of my normally cheerful state.
- There is absolutely nothing wrong with feeling sadness; I believe we think that more because of our conditioning than how it actually feels. In fact, there is a richness to sadness and melancholy that brighter emotions lack.
- Admitting and expressing every emotion is authentic, and authenticity is inspiring.
So today, in gratitude for the blues, I will turn it over to Rumi:
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 attend 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 whatever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.
-Jelalludin Rumi, translated by Coleman Barks (from Gratefulness.org)
