Poetry Therapy is an expressive arts therapy which involves the therapeutic use of poems, narratives, and other spoken or written media to promote well-being and healing. Here is one to get you started:
The Guest House
by Jellaludin 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 are 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.
Other poets to check out:
Mary Sarton
Mary Oliver
David Whyte
