Forethought of Grief

Jung

“One does not become enlightened by imagining figures of light, but by making the darkness conscious. The latter procedure, however, is disagreeable and therefore not popular.” ~Jung

AMEN

Sunny skies and subfreezing temps...

...makes for beautiful icicles!

Rumi

For about a year now I have been subscribed to a great little service from Panhala. They post a different poem every day on their website, and will also email it to you. Their choices are lovely, or at least very much my cup of tea.
And some days, they really speak to me. This was today's poem. It could also maybe be called "Inviting Mara to Tea". I really do understand the concept, to have that spaciousness in your sense of self big enough to hold whatever comes, but it sure is hard sometimes...


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 ~

(The Essential Rumi, versions by Coleman Barks)

Snow!

It is snowing in Maryland today, and how. 8 inches and counting. After a long dry mild stretch, it is a real treat. Winter's last hurrah perhaps, as signs of spring are everywhere. I love snow with a passion and although I have lived in Maryland my entire life (except for one year in CA, but that is for another post) I have always felt I belonged in a snowier clime. Perhaps it is my Swedish heritage, or just the fact that it did snow a whole lot more often when I was a child. I’m sure of it. In any case, I am rejoicing today.

The snow has also been useful for me this morning, as an anchor to come back to the present. My mind is very busy and emotional, perhaps even more than usual lately. I constantly throughout the day remember to ‘snap out of it’ and come present, if only for a few seconds (thank you meditation!). But days like today, the ceaseless swirl of tedious repetitive thoughts is particularly strong, and so it is such a balm to turn that off and admire the pristine beauty of the snow outlining everything in the garden, and to feel the pleasant sting on my cheeks. I wish I could dwell there more often before my tedious ego intrudes again, demanding attention like a small child…

Namaste.