Welcome Mat

I just finished writing our February life balance newsletter on emotional health and cultivating the ability to not take things personally. (Sign up here if you’d like to receive it on Wednesday.)

And for me, a big piece of emotional health has been allowing myself to feel what I’m feeling—regardless of whether or not I like it.

My brother Kert, a qi gong teacher currently living in China (read his fascinating blog on his experience here) has been one of my biggest teachers around allowing--rather than resisting--uncomfortable feelings to come knocking.

And, more and more I’m realizing the ability to “be” with what I’m feeling--rather than run from, ignore, stuff, avoid or “positive-thought” these visitors away—is essential to growing into who I’m meant to be. And, it’s also an opportunity to harvest the gifts that come from living with the light and the dark … with polarity (read more).

So as I approach the anniversary of my sweet brother’s death in a couple weeks, a time when I often feel particularly fragile, I plan to embrace and sit quietly with any visitors that may come calling. Regardless of the gifts they may bring. The welcome mat is out. The kettle is on. I’m ready when you are.

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.

-- Jelaluddin Rumi, 13th Century Mystic Poet

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The Journey, a blog about coach/author/entrepreneur Renee Trudeau’s personal journey and living life from the inside out, comes out weekly.

Photo: Renee Peterson Trudeau. The skies and mountains of the Olympic Peninsula (WA state). Like the changing weather in the Pacific Northwest, our emotions come and go just as quickly. I recently read that a feeling, on average, only lasts 4-5 seconds.