Restlessness

This week has been about restlessness. When it comes, it settles in the pit of my stomach and tries to make a home there…it leads me to analyze my job, my relationships, my hobbies, my life and pushes me to conclude that something just isn’t right.

In one of my yoga classes, my teacher read that beautiful poem by Rumi “The Guest House” and it was a reminder of how to look at everything that comes into your life.

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.

By this poem, I am reminded to be grateful for restlessness because it keeps me from falling asleep in my life. There is nothing more helpful than discontent to push us forward on the path of life.