The House Guests: Welcoming All Parts of Yourself
A meditation inspired by Rumi's 'Guest House' poem - learn to welcome all parts of yourself with compassion and wisdom.
Based on Rumi's beloved poem 'The Guest House,' this meditation helps you develop a healthy relationship with all aspects of your inner experience - thoughts, feelings, sensations, and emotions.
Rumi's Wisdom:
"This being human is a guest house / Every morning a new arrival / Welcome and entertain them all / Even if they are a crowd of sorrows / Be grateful for whoever comes / Because each has been sent as a guide from beyond."
What You'll Experience:
- Guided body scan and breath work for centering
- Full reading of Rumi's 'Guest House' poem
- Visualization of welcoming your inner guests at a table
- Practice sitting at the head of the table, acknowledging all parts
- Integration of compassionate self-awareness
The Guest House Approach:
Instead of fighting or rejecting difficult emotions and experiences, this practice teaches you to welcome them as teachers and guides. Your guests may show up as thoughts, feelings, sensations, distractions, or memories - all are welcome at your inner table.
Executive Applications:
- Developing emotional intelligence and self-regulation
- Building resilience during challenging periods
- Cultivating authentic leadership presence
- Managing stress and overwhelm with compassion
Best Practices:
Find a safe, comfortable place where your back is straight and your breath can move freely. This meditation can produce an altered state of awareness, so please do not listen while driving.