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 cleaning 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
I read this poem in Ruby Wax's fascinating and very helpful book 'Sane New World: Taming the Mind'. It's a fascinating look "under the bonnet" to see how the brain works, with some practical advice and techniques mostly based on mindfulness meditation, as well as Ruby's own experience of depression. I am now going to seek out a mindfulness workshop - the evidence seems clear that this is a great way to tackle unhelpful thinking habits. I shall report back!
A picture by my daughter - it looks spookily like how my brain feels sometimes.
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