I’ve been a big fan of the poet David Whyte since I first heard him speak back in the 1990s. When he shares his amazing poetry he brings it to life and his words dig deep inside of you in ways you don’t always expect. Plus, the fact that he blends his prose and poetry into the “real world” experiences of business, work-life, family and more, in ways that add a dimension not always found. If you have never heard of him before, I strongly encourage you to check out his work.
The quote above is from one of his more well known poems (or at least one of my favorites!) entitled “Sweet Darknss.” Below is a larger part of the poem.
“You must learn one thing:
the world was made to be free in.
Give up all the other worlds
except the one to which you belong.
Sometimes it takes darkness and the sweet
confinement of your aloneness
to learn
anything or anyone
that does not bring you alive
is too small for you.”
~ David Whyte
If you want to listen to the full poem being read by the author, here is a LINK.
Another one of my favorite David Whyte poems is entitled, “Everything is Waiting For You.” Here is a YouTube of the author’s reciting it.
Thanks for linking this poem. Why do most of us live in such fear and aloneness? Or focus on those components so much instead of the beautiful connectedness and richness of life?
I have Whyte’s book “The Three Marriages” on my bookshelf.
Jude
Hi Kathy,
Sorry…I’ve been MIA…busy with life and traveling to FL…I am not acquainted with this poet but I love the quote you pulled
anything or anyone
that does not bring you alive
is too small for you.”
Just yes. Coming to this later in life, but what a lesson!
Best,
Nancy
Hi Nancy! I imagine you ARE busy with your move coming up! And as always I am happy when I introduce my friends to great and interesting writers. Once things settle down for you I hope you get a chance to check out his work more. He is remarkable. ~Kathy
David makes me think of this poet: John O’Donohue was a poet, theologian, and philosopher. He authored several books, including Anam ?ara, Beauty, and To Bless the Space Between Us, a collection of blessings published posthumously. His newest book, Walking in Wonder: Eternal Wisdom for a Modern World, was published in November 2018. He died on January 4, 2008.
Whyte’s work is lovely and I think you will become enthralled with John’s.
Hi Beth! Yes, I’ve read some of John O’Donohue and I think I might have even heard him speak once. While I appreciate his work and perspective, David Whyte just clicked with me. The good news is that I believe there are poets for each of us if we can find them. ~Kathy
Very interesting listening to him read the poem; especially how he repeated phrases. My favorite line… “the birds are unutterably themselves”. As a bird lover, this spoke to me…about being your unique self! Lovely.
Hi Pat! Yes, his style of reciting his poetry makes him even more accessible in my opinion. So many times with listening to poetry I lose myself in one line and then struggle to follow the next, or the last or??? When he repeats with emphasis some of the more impactful lines I really appreciate it. And yes, he’s a big advocate for being our unique selves! ~Kathy
Thank you Kathy, for this post and introducing me to this poet. I wish I could “get” poetry more, like I do song lyrics. So similar yet also different. One of my post-work life goals. I will be looking into David Whyte’s work.
Deb
Hi Deb! Oh good! You know I’m always happy when I’m able to introduce a writer that has impacted my life. The first book of his I ever read is called, “The Heart Aroused: Poetry and the Preservation of the Soul in Corporate America” I read it in my 40s and at the time finding the soul in business was very captivating for me. He offers such a wonderful perspective and when we loaned the book to a friend deeply entrenched in corporate America (with a dream of moving to California and changing her life) she did it!!!! This book inspired her to turn her life toward living her dreams. Of course I think you are already on that course but if you’d like an intro to a GOOD but down to earth poet, I’d highly recommend David Whyte. FYI…there are LOTS of videos of him on YouTube. ~Kathy
A wonderful poem, Kathy. Thank you for bringing him into my world. The author reciting this poem does give it even more meaning. Interesting how he repeats phrases, likely letting them sink in deeper. A huge, WOW. Thank you.
Thank you, Kathy. I love these words and the wisdom behind them. I especially enjoyed the audio clip. Thank you for sharing this.
Hi Donna! Isn’t his voice so perfect as he recites his poetry? Definitely near the top of my list. Glad you enjoyed it too. ~Kathy
Thank you Kathy, words to live by; ‘anything or anyone that does not bring you alive is too small for you.’
Hi Suzanne! I sure do my best and I’m guessing you do too! ~Kathy
Great sentiments/words to take to heart!
Thanks Haralee!
What a beautiful poem. Those last few words are so important to remember… especially now when we have fewer years ahead of us to live our lives big.
Hi Janis. Yes…and from what I can tell you are doing just that! r you in Oaxaca right now? Jealous for sure. I hope you plan to write about your adventure when you return! ~Kathy
Yes we are, and yes, I will! It’s so beautiful here.
Thank you Kathy! I specifically needed this message today. 🙂
Hi Cicely! You’re welcome. It’s a message I need every day 🙂 ~Kathy
Poetry that resonates! Thanks for sharing, Kathy. When one is affected and sees truth and meaning in a poem, it is a joy to read and contemplate. Have a nice weekend!
Hi Liesbet! Are you familiar with David Whyte too? His poetry speaks to the deepest part of me and I’m glad to share it with you. ~Kathy
I wasn’t before you mentioned him and I truly liked the poem you shared. I wish I had more time to read – poetry, novels, non-fiction… In general, I find it hard to resonate with a poet, but David seems to hit the hammer on the head… 🙂
Beautiful Kathy – I’ve learned some of this during the dark times of the year that led up to me leaving the miserable job behind. Being stifled and constantly battling my own needs finally opened my eyes to what was absolutely necessary for my own soul – and that certainly included removing people who were too small!
Hi Leanne! I think all of us need to ask ourselves this question over and over again throughout our lives…at least I have! I’m so glad to hear you’ve learned how to navigate this one from here on out! ~Kathy