Grief can feel overwhelming when you are in the thick of it, and it is easy to forget that we are, in fact, fluid creatures and nothing is permanent.
The happy moments, the sad ones and all the others in between—they flow throw us and are fleeting. If you are feeling particularly sad now, I want to remind you that these feelings are not forever.
Losing someone close to you can bring on a host of feelings such as guilt, anger, depression and isolation. Instead of fighting these uncomfortable feelings, try inviting them in and allow yourself to sit with them for a few moments. I wonder what they might say to you, what you might learn by taking a closer look.
Rumi, the 13th century Muslim poet writes about this so eloquently in the 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’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
