The House of Belonging

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.

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.

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.

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

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!

This book holds some of my favorite poems by this sensitive, inspiring poet. I've just ordered a second book as a gift.

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.

David Whyte's The House of Belonging is refreshingly insightful respecting the phenomena of aloneness, a sense of belonging, and the struggle and ultimately home of being ourselves.