Sadness; A Negative Emotion?

My client spoke of her fear that expressing sadness might invite negativity into her life. But is sadness truly a negative emotion? I argue that it’s not. Sadness is a natural part of our lives. By expressing sadness, you allow it to pass and create space for happiness to unfold.

Psychotherapy offers a space to explore life’s uncertainties. It helps you to question what lies behind your emotions and understand their meaning. As Brene Brown often emphasizes, vulnerability is not a weakness but a strength. Demonstrating emotions, including sadness, is a powerful act of courage that fosters deeper connections and personal growth.

Life is filled with moments of sadness, anger, guilt, and shame, as well as happiness and successes. Each emotion contributes to our overall experience.

Rumi’s poem beautifully encapsulates this idea:

'This being human is a guest house. Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness, some momentary awareness comes an 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 the guest honourably. 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.'