The original Consolations; upon which I modelled my title was the Consolatio Philosophiae, written in approximately 524 AD by Boethius, a virtuous Roman government official who was imprisoned for exposing and refusing to join the corruption of the Roman court. Even under the threat of his imminent execution, Boethius wrote a very generous and merciful book, that was still a 'best seller' six centuries later. He brought a consoling perspective and offered a lifeline to people trying to make sense of the difficult world in which they were seemingly forced to live. We could say that metaphorically, a sense of imprisonment and imminent disappearance, are the conditions under which every writer writes and actually, every reader reads. In our short lives we are not only trying to make sense of many of the powerful dynamics and unnamed forces that seem to steer our existence, we secretly want to join and become part of those very forces ourselves, and in that joining, become more conscious participants in what, until we were fully present, had only seemed like fate. DW
Ooooooh boy, that be bashing de bishop there, every breaking wave, we care. What helped through plandemic praeries for me - were voices, poetry, dare I say actors. Jeremy Irons/ Anthony Hopkins orating Eliot, your own books with your own timber and tone. John O Donoghue, even Iain McGilchrist, simply orating his favorite poems, was a memory. You should consider a podcast, to headhunt those souls you would like to sit next to and while away the turf fire with. For life is fleeting and gone all too soon. All would tune in. Bubstack writing here don't know it yet, but its all moving to fili, seanachai'ing. A pint a de black, down the snug, a roarin' fire, the key. Any pub would pay for it for free, 'cause all the drinkers now are playing Wii. Good night and good luck, be seeing yee.
Funny how bringing light to shame seems to lessen it. In your naming the discrepancies between our desires and what we feel is meant for us I suddenly feel welcomed and included in the human experience instead of a broken outlier. It’s interesting that shame can transform its own experience as something universally relatable and pull us aside to whisper to that it is ours alone.
Shine on David, I champion your work everywhere. Came across the work of Bill Plotkin last month. I recommend, inbetween your travels - up and down and all about the States, to search him out. Hard man to find, he's never about. A journey with him would have Vol 3 ready in days. Out in frontiers, down the snug, holdin' court with a stout. Power on David, with you I have no doubt, your words mean so much to so many, with every breath you take - Shout!
I have been a follower of David Whyte's work for over 20 years. I find deep inspiration in his work and alignment with his life's purpose. So yeah. I just felt inspired to share a, shall I say, non poet's approach to an emotion that holds us back from the life we want but has to be a friend towards the life we desire.
Oooooo ~ shivering to my core ~~~~ a word so loaded with multiple emotions... yet your exquisite writing smooths those sharp edges for me. Gratitude & Appreciation Beautiful One .~*~.
Highlights so well the complex nature of shame. So many lines resonated with me.
I'm in my thirties now raising two little children and shame is one of those feelings I have to remind myself to not let my children experience but rather opportunities for healthy growth.
The original Consolations; upon which I modelled my title was the Consolatio Philosophiae, written in approximately 524 AD by Boethius, a virtuous Roman government official who was imprisoned for exposing and refusing to join the corruption of the Roman court. Even under the threat of his imminent execution, Boethius wrote a very generous and merciful book, that was still a 'best seller' six centuries later. He brought a consoling perspective and offered a lifeline to people trying to make sense of the difficult world in which they were seemingly forced to live. We could say that metaphorically, a sense of imprisonment and imminent disappearance, are the conditions under which every writer writes and actually, every reader reads. In our short lives we are not only trying to make sense of many of the powerful dynamics and unnamed forces that seem to steer our existence, we secretly want to join and become part of those very forces ourselves, and in that joining, become more conscious participants in what, until we were fully present, had only seemed like fate. DW
Ooooooh boy, that be bashing de bishop there, every breaking wave, we care. What helped through plandemic praeries for me - were voices, poetry, dare I say actors. Jeremy Irons/ Anthony Hopkins orating Eliot, your own books with your own timber and tone. John O Donoghue, even Iain McGilchrist, simply orating his favorite poems, was a memory. You should consider a podcast, to headhunt those souls you would like to sit next to and while away the turf fire with. For life is fleeting and gone all too soon. All would tune in. Bubstack writing here don't know it yet, but its all moving to fili, seanachai'ing. A pint a de black, down the snug, a roarin' fire, the key. Any pub would pay for it for free, 'cause all the drinkers now are playing Wii. Good night and good luck, be seeing yee.
Funny how bringing light to shame seems to lessen it. In your naming the discrepancies between our desires and what we feel is meant for us I suddenly feel welcomed and included in the human experience instead of a broken outlier. It’s interesting that shame can transform its own experience as something universally relatable and pull us aside to whisper to that it is ours alone.
Shine on David, I champion your work everywhere. Came across the work of Bill Plotkin last month. I recommend, inbetween your travels - up and down and all about the States, to search him out. Hard man to find, he's never about. A journey with him would have Vol 3 ready in days. Out in frontiers, down the snug, holdin' court with a stout. Power on David, with you I have no doubt, your words mean so much to so many, with every breath you take - Shout!
For those interested, here is my own post related to shame - https://open.substack.com/pub/nessaemrys/p/theres-a-purpose-to-feeling-shame-b10?r=qsl4t&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
I have been a follower of David Whyte's work for over 20 years. I find deep inspiration in his work and alignment with his life's purpose. So yeah. I just felt inspired to share a, shall I say, non poet's approach to an emotion that holds us back from the life we want but has to be a friend towards the life we desire.
And can't WAIT for your new book, David. Super excited.
This is absolutely wonderful and transforming. Made me feel teary and at home at the same time.
Thank you for. A fresh perspective!
I've ordered the book and so am "fasting" from essay previews, the better to enjoy real pages in my hands. Bless you!
Congratulations David! How exciting! I can’t wait to get a copy.
“Shame is the inverse measure of our ability to incarnate fully into our bodies and the vast overwhelming, and astonishing, tidal body of the world”.
The potency of these words brings me to a standstill at a juncture of grief and loss but inevitable and empowered transformation.
Fabulous news on the release of Consolations 2. Immense work David. Congratulations and thank you!
Oooooo ~ shivering to my core ~~~~ a word so loaded with multiple emotions... yet your exquisite writing smooths those sharp edges for me. Gratitude & Appreciation Beautiful One .~*~.
Congratulations on the upcoming release of your new book, David!
All my life I suffered with word that you so well explain* thank you. Made se see my Shame from the outside.
Highlights so well the complex nature of shame. So many lines resonated with me.
I'm in my thirties now raising two little children and shame is one of those feelings I have to remind myself to not let my children experience but rather opportunities for healthy growth.
Extraordinary!
Amazing ❤️