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Midlife and the Great Unknown

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Midlife and the Great Unknown

By: David Whyte
Narrated by: David Whyte
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About this listen

"In the middle of the road of my life I awoke in a dark wood, where the true way was wholly lost."

When you find yourself suddenly without bearings, as Dante Alighieri voiced so well centuries ago, where will you look for guidance? Throughout the ages, teaches David Whyte, the language of poetry has held a special power to hazard ourselves boldly at the "fierce edges" of our lives.

On Midlife and the Great Unknown, you will engage with poetic imagination as it was meant to be experienced: as your companion and guide for the challenging terrain of midlife. Join this Yorkshire-born poet and bestselling author to explore:

  • "Radical simplification": an invitation to sit in silent reflection and observation
  • Using your poetic imagination to navigate life's cycles of loss and joy
  • Honoring who you are right now, including your skills and limitations, and more

    The language of poetry can "emancipate" you into the next phase of your existence, teaches David Whyte. It can help you break through obstacles and give you courage to take necessary risks. Drawing from the wisdom of fellow poets Rainer Maria Rilke, Emily Dickinson, and Seamus Heaney, Whyte invites you to boldly engage in a conversation with the second half of your life on Midlife and the Great Unknown.

  • ©2003 David Whyte (P)2008 Sounds True
    Aging Parents Creativity Relationships Inspiring
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    What listeners say about Midlife and the Great Unknown

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    Listen twice

    Take the time to listen at least twice, first to enjoy the voice and get your bearings, then to absorb the poems and get to the marrow of of it. It won’t disappoint.

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    harvesting the ripened fruits

    love David's deep contemplations and reverence to the interior landscape whilst holding a staff beacon to the invisible.

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    Tender and full of truth

    This was so provocative and insightful, I will listen to it again and again. Like a brilliant conversation with someone who loves you very much.

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    Wow.

    Wow. Now I get poetry. Deep nourishment. Thank you so much for writing this. Have started to read a few lines a day, as suggested.

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    Wonderful

    Life affirming book, bringing life's elements back into perspective. I would highly recommend this book to anyone, no matter what frontier you are at in your life.

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    Uncommon wisdom on every page.

    That moment when you find an author you resonate with is a moment when the sense of aloneness subsides and belonging is realised. A gift.

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    Joyous words from a wondrous poet

    This is a truly marvellous package from a wonderful man. His insights into the human condition coupled with his wonderful reading style (those repetitions!) of his, and others poems, make for something truly revelatory. I like the relatively short running time as it can listened to in its entirety again and again. Just like a good film. Revealing more and more of its depth and true awakened insight on subsequent listens. Revelatory.

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    love it

    love David's work yet this overlaps with much of his calm mind wild heart audiobook

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    Outstanding!

    Whyte is a gem, a rare reminder of the potentials and depths of the human psyche.

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    Wonderful communicator

    The most wonderful ability to collect the un described elements of living a good life. Gives courage to trust curiosity as a journey. To doubt, to listen, even be still and the hazel twig may show us we become a conduit to discovery.

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