The House of Belonging

I had another of David Whyte's books and I find his poetry so relevant and deeply expressive. The emotional descriptions of love, relationships, history, travel, nature & self awareness through life are vivid and satisfying. His language is easy and sitting with a poem for longer than it takes to read it feels like a visit with a close friend. I recommend a visit to the virtual oasis Whyte creates. Your calm state of mind 😌 will be your reward.

I love the protective cover on the original white paperback. I really resonate to David Whyte poems. His writing touches my soul.

This is beautiful. I have both the Audible version which is my favorite 'book' to listen to when I am driving, over and over and over. Each time I listen, I discover something new in David Whyte's storytelling. It is a masterpiece. This is one of my favorite books of his - I read from it in my yoga classes and students always ask or email asking for the source. This is a 'generationless' book. I am in my late 40's, and I found many of his words resonating with me at this point in my life but also could have felt the same way in my 20's. The writings leave the reader feeling expansive and connected to life. His writings cover relationships, nature, subtle experiences that are so incredibly human in their nature that we don't realize what is happening in our hearts, mind and body while we are moving through them. It is only afterward and with reflection where we become clear. I highly recommend this book.

If you are a fan of David Whyte then you probably already have this book!! However if you don't, you might enjoy it. I LOVE it!

I've been listening to CD's which were recorded of David Whyte speaking to groups where he shares his poetry, his stories, his insights, and his wonderfully soft Scottish voice. Now I'm finding that reading his poetry for myself with my eyes and my ears rather than his voice and his interpretation, it lending new depths of personal meaning for me. Gotta love that. Also, much of the work in this book is set in the Pacific Northwest where I have lived my entire life, so the imagery for me is deep and meaningful. :)

A few weeks ago I started listening to David Whyte's Clear Mind Wild Heart. I kept having to stop the playback to think about what he said, and rewind to hear parts again. At times I realized I had already heard one of the six CD's but it had so much depth in it that it was like listening to a new CD. Naturally I wanted to read a book of his poetry (he'd read many of his poems in the CD's). I was not disappointed. Even having heard them, reading them to myself I was surprised that he crystallized and spoke what I was thinking and feeling, seemingly knowing it better than I myself. As the title would suggest its predominant theme is belonging, and of coming to feel belonging by coming to recognize yourself, or the struggle to recognize yourself. His method is not to be obscure but to be observant and put that into language that you ... well I have a quote of his that says, "Poetry is the art of creating language against which there is no defense." He does just that. I am coming to understand more and more how he believes we must all set aside time to write, mediate, pray, or read poetry. They are all variations on the theme of observing who we are, the world around us, and how we can belong in that world and in our own skins. If you are on the journey to find belonging I'd whole heartily recommend the couple hours it takes to read this poetry.

every poem wasn't perfect. i only say that because i find so many of his poems to be perfect. the last one is stunning.

I can't say enough about this precious book of poems and David Whyte's incredible depth of vision. I keep this book at my bedside and review one or two poems for meditation often. I've also recommended this book to those who attend my local poetry group, as well as my friends, especially those who are passing through difficult shadows on their life's path... I highly recommend this book for anyone who appreciates the wonder and mystery of nature, life and death. Whyte's words will surely touch your heart!

I read something from this collection of poems almost every day as a sort of grounding exercise. It helps me centre myself. The poems can be both challenging and comforting (which may seem strange, but Whyte holds you gently while encouraging you to look into your deeper self and to think about your place in the world). The words often seem to by-pass my brain and go straight to my heart. It may not be like this for everyone, but the subject matter - aloneness and belonging - has a particular resonance for me.

David Whyte explores the sense of belonging as opposed to the feeling of being alone, in a meaningful and relatable way. I will definitely read more of his work!👍🏼

Poetry that must be read over and over again, its heart slowly and deeply unfolded, finding meaning and joy with each new reading. I welcome David's poems, close my eyes and let the words enter my soul, filling me with solace, erasing doubt, reassuring me that I am not alone. He writes poetry so that we ordinary humans can be understood. We are seen, we are consoled, his words balm for the soul.

Like words from the favourite Uncle you always wished for…

Thank you