Your Internal Guesthouse
Generally, we seem reluctant to allow ourselves to feel the full range and depth of our core emotions.
These emotions (such as sadness, disgust, fear and anger) evolved in our ancestors as natural responses to keep them safe. Over time, and with social conditioning, many of these responses are no longer welcome in our family systems, nor into our professional and social spaces.
The truth is that on top of the life challenges we might be facing, expressing these emotions can cause additional discomfort; we may receive unbearable negativity from those around us when we express ourselves freely. Many of us have therefore acquired ways to avoid, mask or ignore these emotions. Put another way, we’ve likely developed an outward-facing more ‘socially acceptable’ persona, which has made it more manageable in the short term for us to operate in the world.
However, living with a tension between who we are, and who the world perceives us to be, is damaging to our souls; eventually the façade of the persona might start to crack.
A new way to live
There is another more easeful way to live, as described beautifully by the great 13th century poet and scholar, Rumi:
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 honourably.
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.
(Rumi)
I am certain that the path towards living in this more integrated way can be supported by attuned therapy. Our sessions will provide you with a safe and confidential container in which to explore the messages carried by these ‘visitors’ at the door of your ‘guesthouse’. My hope is that you will become more comfortable with recognising and welcoming your natural responses. This, in turn, will lead to greater self-understanding and trust.
I very much look forward to our journey together, so that you might discover the unique wisdom held by all your internal guests.
Warmly,
Sian