Last year I spent a few weekends in the beautiful national park De Sallandse Heuvelrug, in the eastern province Overijssel. The house where I stayed, had a beautiful poem of the 13th-century Persian poet Rumi hanging on the wall. Every time I saw it, I reminded myself to write it down or look it up. But I completely forgot and remembered it on my way back home from the last weekend, when it was too late.
Wonderful gift
The next morning I went running in the Vondelpark in Amsterdam. It was a gorgeous winter day. I was listening to the new album of Coldplay, A Head Full of Dreams. And guess what, all of the sudden it struck me from out of nowhere. Track 7, Kaleidoscope, turns out to be a recital of this exact poem! Listening to the music, running and enjoying the sunlight, I totally did not expect this. It really felt like a wonderful gift. Just one of those moments…
Enjoy this being human!
Because I wanted to share this poem with you I illustrated it with watercolour butterflies. Click the link below to download my free art print in high resolution in case you want to frame it. And to all of you: enjoy this being human!
Download your free printable here
For those of you who prefer plain text:
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 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.
Thank you this is just beautiful I have printed your PDF and framed it…
I used your print of this on my face book InSync Healing wall credits to you. Thank you xx
Dear Anna, Thank you SO much for this beautiful rendering of Rumi’s poem. Not only is the poem an inspiration, but your generosity both coloring and designing it into a beautiful work of art worthy of a frame and then offering it in hi-res to any and everyone, free of charge, is a credit to you and your gracious heart. I am blessed. Namaste
Thanks so much! This really just makes my day :)
Thank you so much for sharing this. I was looking to hang this poem in my therapy office and perhaps use it on my website, and your art work is perfectly beautiful! So nice that you share it!!!!
Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful illustration – Rumi is a favorite of mine and this is one of my most adored.
I will be using your print to découpage .
This is the most beautiful illustration to this poem. Thank you
I just googled “The Guest House” by Rumi and found this very special illustrated poem. Thank you!
Thank youuuuu loved it even more with your butterflies
So beautifully done! Thank you for sharing it and spreading this wonderful message!
Thank you for this beautiful gift!
Thank you for sharing your beautiful gift of illustrations. I just love the butterflies.
Thank you.
I just found this while searching for a printable version of this incredible poem to give to my clients. Thank you for offering this gift – it is just beautiful!
Thank you!!! This is absolutely lovely
Thank you!!! This is absolutely lovely!! Truly appreciate your Gift !
Thank you Anne so much for you beautiful artwork. I have printed this for a friend who is in need.
Thank you for this gift! It’s beautiful.
Thank you for this Pdf! Anne-Christine
Thank you for this beautiful rendering of Rumi’s beloved poem, and your generouslity. I will share it to my support group and treasure the copy I downloaded for future opportunities. Your name as the artist is in the file name.
By the dedication of this gift may all beings be free of suffering