Irish poet and philosopher David Whyte joins Sarah Wilson to discuss the importance of asking beautiful questions. They reminisce about a memorable hiking trip and explore the connection between walking, nature, and poetry. They also delve into embracing silence, navigating the complexity of life, addressing climate change, and the invitation to simplify. This special episode offers insightful conversations and inspiring perspectives.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Lake District Hike
Sarah Wilson recalls a hike with David Whyte in the Lake District where she recited Robert Frost's "Fire and Ice".
Whyte's daughter had to help Wilson down the mountain due to her autoimmune disease.
insights INSIGHT
Nature's Power
Wildness reveals forces greater than ourselves, providing a larger context for existence.
Whyte emphasizes the invigorating experience of connecting with nature's elements, like wind and rain.
insights INSIGHT
Refusing Ourselves
Humans uniquely refuse their true selves, creating a disconnect from authentic existence.
Whyte suggests that we often forget we're pretending, leading to constrained identities.
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David Whyte is the guy who got me into poetry; Steven Spielberg has said the same of the Irish poet and philosopher who leads hiking/poetry tours around the world and works with Sam Harris on his meditation app.David trained as a marine biologist and was a naturalist guide in the Galapagos, the Amazon and Himalayas, before becoming a professional poet because, as I heard him explain once, the language of science wasn't largest enough to convey existence. Not long after I first read David's writing, I was at a cafe in a small town where my nomadic journey had landed me, when a friend walked over and invited me to join him and his mate... it was David. Since then we've met up a few times and I hiked with him and his family in the Lake District in the footsteps of Wordsworth (I detail the hike in This One Wild and Precious Life). David's work taught me stillness and patience, and got me to love and honour my aloneness…and introduced me to the wild idea I discuss with David in this episode: One of the most important disciplines of a human life is to ask beautiful questions…to ask them in unbeautiful moments, to ask them courageously and vulnerably. Many of you have requested David joins my podcast and TBH, this is a very special episode.
David has just wrapped up his Sunday talking sessions he referred to in the episode, and he will be announcing more dates soon. Keep an eye on his website for details: https://davidwhyte.com/
You can get a copy of David's book we reference in this episode Consolations here: https://amzn.to/3FeKWGS
Wild with Sarah Wilson 