Emptiness as First Cousin to Absence

We tend to think of emptiness as a negative thing. A hollow feeling, a spiritual bankruptcy. And, of course, it can rightly have that connotation. But emptiness, in healthy spiritual practice, is a goal--and in it's most helpful form is a verb: EMPTYING.

Making room. Creating space for living water, holy spirit, wisdom, compassion. Preparing the way for our truest selves rather than small-ego-selves.

It's a bad pun, but I can't help but relate Emptiness to Ruminess, because of Rumi's wonderful poem, The Guest House, which is as wise a study of healthy emptying as has ever been passed on. This poem all by itself could form a degree program in spiritual practice.

And many of the classes would be on how to embody all these potent verbs...

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.