Funks and Houseguests
- 2 minutes read - 412 wordsThis 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
We all fall into a funk from time to time. Some of us can get stuck there a bit too long. It’s something I’ve dealt with my entire life. Some of that comes with growing up and living far from the equator, some from genetics, and some from a lack of perspective.
What do I mean by a lack of perspective? Those houseguests Rumi wrote about. They come, they go - under normal circumstances. But they move in when you make your mind too cozy for them by constantly giving them attention and feeding them their favorite foods.
Funk Antidote
Guests, like fish, begin to smell after three days.
– Benjamin Franklin
Welcome these guests, but don’t invite them to stay, and they’ll do their job and move on.
I recently experienced a funk. I noticed it. The feeling of being tired. The lack of desire to do anything. The feelings of dread. I noticed it and let it be. But after day 2, I began to feel a bit like a put out host.
There is power in knowing yourself, and knowing what you need. For me an antidote to a funk is movement, and this one called for a good sweaty workout, which I definitely DID NOT FEEL LIKE DOING.
I got on my rowing machine and did a solid interval workout. A few minutes into the workout I felt the tired, dark cloud leaving my body.
It’s important to note that this was not a self punishment workout. This was a healing workout. The difference is in your intention.
You will not heal by punishing yourself for how you are feeling. Take Rumi’s advice and welcome your feelings. But also take Franklin’s observation to heart, and don’t let them make your mind their home.
Are you able to notice a funk taking hold? What’s your go-to funk antidote?
