#114 On Grief, Belonging & Intimacy: David Whyte & Gayle Karen Young

Jan 9, 2025

Join poet and philosopher David Whyte, whose work beautifully intertwines poetry with profound human experiences, and cultural architect Gayle Karen Young, a leader in fostering thriving relationships. They delve into the complex realms of grief and intimacy, revealing how loss can deepen our connections. The conversation highlights the importance of vulnerability and collective rituals, alongside insightful reflections on balancing urgency with depth in our fast-paced lives. Together, they inspire listeners to embrace the beauty of existence and the power of presence.

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INSIGHT

Poetry and Grief

Poetry helps us understand loss and grief, as seen in the oldest known poem of lamentation.
Turning towards grief, like turning from sunlight, reveals hidden depths and understanding.

INSIGHT

Seasonality of Grief

Grief's seasonality changes throughout life, influenced by personal growth and generosity.
Experiencing the essence of loved ones after they're gone invites us to appreciate their presence now.

INSIGHT

Loss and Presence

Loss is an invitation to be present, feel deeply, and love fully, despite future pain.
Intimacy and grief invite us into the unknown, where disappearance is inevitable.

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Recorded live at a SAND Community Gathering (December 2024) hosted by Zaya and Maurizio Benazzo.

In this intimate conversation with poet and philosopher David Whyte and his wife, cultural architect Gayle Karen Young, explore the tender territories of grief, belonging and rest.

Drawing from David’s new book Consolations II, this unique dialogue offers a glimpse into how two lives intertwine in both understanding and living these essential human experiences and how loss and heartbreak can become doorways to deeper belonging.

The conversation weaves together poetry, contemplative wisdom, and the authentic experience of two people who have walked the path of partnership through its many thresholds. It offers both practical insight and spiritual nourishment for anyone seeking to understand how we grow through love’s many faces—from its first tender beginnings to its most profound depths of kinship.

David Whyte, raised between his Irish mother’s imaginative influence and his father’s Yorkshire landscapes, now calls the Pacific Northwest home. He is the author of twelve books of poetry and five books of prose, holding a degree in Marine Zoology and bringing rich experience from his years as a naturalist guide in the Galapagos Islands and leader of expeditions in the Andes, Amazon, and Himalaya.

Gayle Karen Young is a cultural architect and catalyst for human and organizational development who believes the world needs leaders who are “able for” what lies ahead. With over two decades in leadership development, she focuses on both the visible, practical aspects of leadership and the invisible work of creating spaces where others can thrive.

Topics:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:37 Meet the Guests: Gayle Karen Young and David Whyte

02:41 The Power of Poetry and Reflection

03:37 Exploring Grief and Intimacy

09:02 Collective Grief and Global Suffering

27:20 The Role of Vulnerability in Leadership

30:14 Exploring Grief and Progressive Patriotism

30:52 The Everyday Invitation to Vulnerability

31:42 Understanding the Path of Care

35:34 The Seasonality of Care and Grief

39:19 The Overwhelming Nature of Modern Connectivity