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A Mindful Poem

25 May 2015

Mindfulness is the new big thing!  That is, if you ignore 2,500 years of back history and assume it was invented on YouTube a week last Thursday.

I was privileged enough to work with a group of talented people recently on the beach! Yes, a group of us went for an early morning beach walk to hone our coaching skills. We discussed mindfulness and explored the power of a silent mindful five minutes. Picture yourself sitting safely on the sand, a breeze nudging your cheek, your eyes closed and your ears wide open and taking in the sound of dog walkers, water, birds, distant cars and all the sounds of life. Great fun and is there a better way to start the day? 

To get us thinking about mindfulness and the need to sit back and observe our thoughts and feelings I shared a classic poem with the group. Here it is for you:

The Guesthouse (Rumi, 1207-1273)

This being human is a guesthouse

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,

Treat every 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 whoever comes, because each has been sent

As a guide from beyond.

…We can find ‘the gift’ inside each setback and put our energy into new things. We can choose our response and can take our power and get on with life.

The book I have taken this poem from is The Dummies Guide to Mindfulness. A good read!

This week, take a moment to think. About what, well that’s your call.

Next week: Petard Hoisting!