We are having big emotions during our pandemic. Some of them are like internal tidal waves.
They can be so big, so constant, so immersive we just need to get away from these feelings. In fact, we’ll do anything to get away from them. Some people will drink too much, eat too much or spend too much in order to get away from big emotions. Some people pick fights. All in an attempt to avoid being in the same room with emotions.
The only way I’ve found to truly create the space I crave from big emotions, is to treat them as a crowd of people without manners. I move myself out of the way in service to this crowd.
I find a place to sit where I can turn my awareness to the swirl of activity in my mind and in the home of my heart. It really is a bit like a child swinging outside looking back in to the house through a big picture window. Swinging and watching.
I pay quiet attention to the feelings, the joy, the meanness, the sorrows, the shame. I really focus on them until something magic happens. I let them move about, creating havoc and dancing their dance. I don’t take it personally….I let them turn up the music and give them even more space to swirl and crash until they lay down completely exhausted.
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