Last Tuesday when preparing for yoga practice, I could not find the practice I prepared the night before. I went back to my stack of sequences, page by page, seeing practices for balance, for core, for shoulders, for pretty much everything, and yet I could not find my Thanksgiving week practice. I became overwhelmed. Ironically the practice was about abundance, and the abundance that we all have already within us. And yet here I was buried alive in the abundance of yoga practices I have already created.
I have a favorite Rumi poem that I learned from my first yoga teacher, and I find it perfect for the holiday season. It reminds me that I live in abundance, every moment. It’s an inspiration for me to accept—and even welcome—what is. What is in front of me, what is ringing my doorbell, what is happening (or not happening) … The poem is called The Guest House.
The Guest House by Rumi
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.
They 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.
So how does this poem relate to abundance? I think it is because it references EVERYTHING as a “guest,” therefore meaning we have a new “guest” coming or going all the time! An abundance of “guests” means an abundance of opportunity to be conscious, to notice, and, if needed, to “meet them all … laughing.”
As I moved through the Thanksgiving week with my fridge overflowing with food, and my fruit bowl brimming for my guests, I tried to keep my focus on the good side of abundance, laughing as I dug through my overstuffed refrigerator trying to find things I knew were in there! Grateful that I could host my dad and daughter for a fun week. Laughing as my daughter beat me (over and over!) in fast solitaire. And just letting go of everything that can easily wait until later. Knowing that I would be left with laundry and cleaning and need a nice long nap when everyone goes home. Yes, the “guests” are always coming even when they’re going! This is a life of abundance and I am grateful for it.
How do you notice and manage abundance in your life? I’d love to hear more from others. Please, be my “guest” and add a comment!