David Whyte (davidwhyte.com) is the author of twelve books of poetry and five books of prose, including his latest, Consolations II, which further explores what David calls “the conversational nature of reality.”

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Timestamps:

[00:00] Who is David Whyte?

[06:25] Connecting with Henry Shukman.

[10:32] Low times in the High Himalayas and a yak manger awakening.

[15:17] The place from where David writes good poetry.

[17:22] Invitational speech.

[21:55] Catching up with the curve of one's transformation.

[27:58] A revolutionary moment reflecting on parameters and regret.

[37:41] "Everything Is Waiting for You."

[40:54] The secret code to life and the agreed insanity of so-called adults.

[46:47] Being found by the world in greater and greater ways.

[48:52] Asking beautiful questions.

[58:13] "Tan-y-Garth."

[01:02:09] Memorizing poetry.

[01:08:28] "Zen."

[01:22:55] Courage.

[01:24:15] How living in a trailer on the side of a Welsh mountain helped David develop as a writer.

[01:31:14] Irish koans, French doors, and Tibetan bells.

[01:38:30] Poetry as consolation.

[01:42:03] The best place to hold a poem.

[01:43:07] "Time."

[02:00:01] Writing and reading good poetry.

[02:04:52] Parting thoughts.

*

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#781: David Whyte, Poet — Spacious Ease, Irish Koans, Writing in Delirium, and Revelations from a Yak Manger

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