Emotions

Emotions are energy that is in motion in our bodies. We feel them in our chest, stomach, tension in our muscles etc.  Its fun to feel the positive emotions.  When I feel love I feel the warmth in my heart.  I can feel it expanding like my cup is overflowing.  I feel this when I see the people I care about.  I want this emotion to stay around.  I feel my body buzzing when I'm excited like when I'm swinging as high as I can at the park.


Emotions that are uncomfortable are emotions I want to escape from instantly, like putting my hand on a hot stove, I pull my hand away quickly to avoid the pain.  However, just as I feel the energy of love which is telling me to keep doing what I'm doing (staying present with the ones I love), the uncomfortable emotions (anger, guilt, fear etc) are also talking to me.  Those emotions are sending messages that if I listen closely tap into my Wise Mind and guide me to living a valued life.


Rumi put it beautifully in the following poem:

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 ~