Longing and Belonging

The Complete John O'Donohue Audio Collection

By: John O'Donohue PhD

Narrated by: John O'Donohue PhD

The Complete Audio Archive of a Beloved Philosopher of the Heart

John O'Donohue was a one-of-a-kind force of nature: a genius with words, a brilliant thinker, and a professional excavator of the soul. In the course of his extraordinary life, this Irish poet and teacher touched the hearts of millions with his unique blend of philosophy, instruction, and spiritual insight. For over a decade, Sounds True had the privilege of working with John, and Longing and Belonging presents the full collection of his recordings for both long-time listeners and those discovering his legacy for the first time.

Weaving Celtic Wisdom with Personal History

In the oral tradition so beloved of the Celts, John shares his intuitive approach to spirituality in programs such as Anam Cara, which explores Ireland's divine heritage, and Beauty: The Invisible Embrace, which helps us illuminate the beauty we long for. It is an odyssey into our common yearning for the magnificence of nature, for compassion, serenity, and hope, and for the “soul friends” who walk with us along the way.

"John always said that the great miracle of life was not the turning of water into wine nor the parting of the Red Sea, but the fact that there was something rather than nothing," says David Whyte in his introduction. John O'Donohue was a man who rejoiced in all people and all existence, and with commemorating, full-length introductions by close friends Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estés and David Whyte, Longing and Belonging celebrates the numerous gifts John shared with so many in his lifetime.

Longing and Belonging includes:

• Bless the Space Between Us: Blessings of comfort and illumination for the thresholds we all must cross in life
• Beauty: The Invisible Embrace: Spiritual lessons behind our soul-level hunger for what is beautiful
• Eternal Echoes: Reflections on our yearning to belong, and our possibilities for self-discovery, friendship, and creativity
• The Inner Landscape: A Celtic exploration of paradox as a means to find light in the darkest valleys of our inner terrain
• The Divine Imagination: A pathway to experiencing divinity as a lyrical and tender force present in all things
• The Invisible World: An odyssey of Celtic prayers, blessings, and teachings that honor the sacred unknown
• Anam Cara: Deep insights into the heart of Ireland's spiritual wisdom and practice

©2012 John O'Donohue (P)2012 John O'Donohue

Finally-- words that describe my inner landscape

I am not a person who listens or reads self-help books, or even many books on spirituality or religion. ( Thomas Merton, Richard Rohr, and a few others being the notable exceptions)-- so I approached this warily. I have found though that John O'Donohue's writing describes my experience of Spirit, and his words are expanding my vocabulary for experiences I've had, a way of life I have known, but never managed to express.

I don't imagine his path is one that would speak to all seekers. But if you have been raised with a celtic consciousness, his writing will help to round out your living connection to Spirit and do it in a way that does not conflict with you Christian faith, but rather rounds it out and deepens it.

O'Donahue's voice is clear and musical, with a sort of clear high sound, like the wind working against the ancient stones. It can be a little tiring if you do not listen closely. My suggestion is to take in what he says in short bits. His writing is so full and deep, just like a rich fragrant dish of some delicious food, you don't want to consume it, but rather take it in slowly, and let it work in the hidden parts of your heart, and then go back for more. There is time. There is no need to rush.

Finally I just want to express my profound gratitude for the life and work of this man. He managed to bring together and make sense of the tangle of the celtic consciousness, which is hidden, almost lost in the rush and bright light of modern scientific western thought. -- I am sorry his "clay form" is no longer walking around among us, and yet so grateful that his wisdom has been shared and continues to be heard.

this man was a saint

If you could sum up Longing and Belonging in three words, what would they be?

Grace Wisdomn Humility AND WIT

What other book might you compare Longing and Belonging to and why?

Any by Caroline Myss or Clarissa Estes as they were his friemds........

What about John O'Donohue’s performance did you like?

His soft spoken love

What insight do you think you’ll apply from Longing and Belonging?

His Patience and Grace

Any additional comments?

I only wish I could watch hin make GOD smile.

Fantastic Introduction to Celtic Spirituality

This is the quintessence of John O'Donohue's spoken work. (And "spoken" it is ) I cannot imagine merely reading his mind thoughts without the accompanying melody of his full and true Irish voice. Well, there you are.

Simply the best thing I have heard in decades.

My heading says it all.
Profound. Warm. Honest. Serenity. Poetic. Captivating. Luminous. Breath like. Panoramic.

Absolutely Outstanding

Stunning, beautiful, inspirational and narrated by John himself in a beautiful melodic and truly poetic way.