Bestselling poet David Whyte discusses the power of poetry in revealing truths; embracing grief and regret for transformation; empathy and language evolution; reconnecting with the real world through grounding; robust vulnerability; letting go and embracing new beginnings; and a poetic reflection on life's journey.
Good poetry reveals new understandings and surprises us with insight.
Facing grief can lead to transformation and growth.
Embracing vulnerability allows for deeper self-awareness and wisdom in transitions.
Deep dives
Introducing Sounds True One and the Sounds True Foundation
Sounds True introduces Sounds True One, a membership community and digital platform offering transformational docu-series, community events, and classes. The Sounds True Foundation creates equitable access to transformative tools and teachings.
Guest Introduction: David White, Poet and Author
David White, an internationally renowned poet and author, discusses themes like joy, loss, vulnerability, courage, and beauty through poetry, storytelling, and commentary. He reflects on his own life and the homes that inspire his work.
The Power of Poetry and Vulnerability
David White describes poetry as a form of intimate communication that bypasses defenses, evoking a physical and emotional response. He emphasizes the impact of good poetry, which can arrest the body, leading to self-revelation.
Well-Felt Sadness and Generativity
White explores the concept of well-felt sadness, highlighting that grief can be a transformative process. He shares personal experiences of loss and grief, emphasizing that facing and fully feeling one's sorrow can lead to growth and rejuvenation.
Robust Vulnerability and Aging
The conversation delves into the idea of robust vulnerability, allowing for humor, emotional release, and a deeper sense of self-awareness. White reflects on embracing one's vulnerability, approaching life transitions with freedom and innate wisdom.
A good poem, says David Whyte, is revelatory; it takes hold of us and surprises us with new understanding. David Whyte is the bestselling author of ten books of poetry, three works of prose, and the celebrated Sounds True audio program What to Remember When Waking.
In this podcast, Tami Simon speaks with David about his writing career, his creative approach to leadership, and the conversation with life to which we are all constantly invited. Tami and David discuss the willingness to have courageous conversations; the generativity of “a well-felt sadness”; reframing regret; the seven steps of invitational leadership; “robust vulnerability” and choosing the path we really care about; anguish, anxiety, and being OK with the unknown; letting go; “apprenticing ourselves to our own disappearance”; and more.
Note: This episode originally aired on Sounds True One, where these special episodes of Insights at the Edge are available to watch live on video and with exclusive access to Q&As with our guests. Learn more at join.soundstrue.com.
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