Feelings are what is most real
about us...
Barbara Muhl (Infinite Way Teacher)
Discouragement comes easily to my psyche. I welcome it with open
arms. Once it enters it takes on a life all its own – and every
success, every hope, every vision is diminished for the moment.
As I reflect on my life, there have been many disappointments. I remember reading a quote that disappointment brings discouragement and discouragement makes room for depression. This is something to which I thoroughly relate.
As I reflect on my life, there have been many disappointments. I remember reading a quote that disappointment brings discouragement and discouragement makes room for depression. This is something to which I thoroughly relate.
It's also something we don't easily embrace or acknowledge in our
culture. Happiness is the commodity most pushed on us. Images in
the mass media – happy, smiling faces. Perhaps there are some of
us who fit that model. During my work as a child therapist I recall
having a group of children make a collage of feelings using magazine
photos. One little boy wisely commented: “Gosh, all the people
in these magazines are happy.” That was my last use of magazines
for collages.
Hopefully, we have each experienced moments of happy, and I add,
hopefully, we have also experienced moments of sadness,
discouragement, hurt. We are a canvas of multiple feelings – and
embracing each with the honor and validation they deserve is what
makes us not only whole --- but paves the way for empathy toward
others.
My goal has never been one of happiness but one of gentle peace,
comfort and satisfaction with each moment and the ability to welcome
all feelings that visit me. Today, it happens to be
discouragement...and it's okay as I welcome it with kindness and
compassion.
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Rumi
says the above best in his 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 are 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 whatever comes.
because
each has been sent
as
a guide from beyond.
—
Jellaludin
Rumi,
translation
by Coleman Barks
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