A Saturday morning walk after a rough Friday: coffee, river light, and an honest check-in on control, the imposter voice, and finding calm in contrast.
I find dualities hard and think that is common for those of us raised in Western cultures. I’m guessing that you may have read Rumi’s The Guest House but in case not, or in case a reminder is of use.
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.
Am reading Terrence Real’s “Us” and he speaks of the need in relationships to recognize 3 cycles: harmony (love without knowledge), disharmony (knowledge without love), and repair (loving knowledge). A healthy relationship, that prioritizes the us (versus you + me), moves through this cycle, over and over — as new challenges surface and when our Sage (Wise Adult self) succumbs to our Saboteurs (Adaptive Child self).
P.S. Terry is the therapist that Tim Ferriss mentions in a recent Finding Mastery podcast.
Thanks Kharma! Your reflection on Sunday could not have been better timed for me. An important reminder that even when I am not at my best, I need to have some self-compassion.
I find dualities hard and think that is common for those of us raised in Western cultures. I’m guessing that you may have read Rumi’s The Guest House but in case not, or in case a reminder is of use.
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.
I agree. Holding two opposing thoughts as both right. Very hard AND very essential.
A favorite poem! And perfect for this occasion.
Thank you for your public vulnerability!
Am reading Terrence Real’s “Us” and he speaks of the need in relationships to recognize 3 cycles: harmony (love without knowledge), disharmony (knowledge without love), and repair (loving knowledge). A healthy relationship, that prioritizes the us (versus you + me), moves through this cycle, over and over — as new challenges surface and when our Sage (Wise Adult self) succumbs to our Saboteurs (Adaptive Child self).
P.S. Terry is the therapist that Tim Ferriss mentions in a recent Finding Mastery podcast.
Thanks Becca! Putting it in public creates accountability to ensure I am bringing loving knowledge to my relationships.
Nice…
Thank you for your loving honesty, Jeremy. I relate to this very much, and receive the gift of your reminder in this moment.
Thanks Kharma! Your reflection on Sunday could not have been better timed for me. An important reminder that even when I am not at my best, I need to have some self-compassion.
I also thought there was great overlap between your message and mine. :)