Midlife and the Great Unknown

Finding Courage and Clarity Through Poetry

By: David Whyte

Narrated by: David Whyte

"In the middle of the road of my life I awoke in a dark wood, where the true way was wholly lost."

When you find yourself suddenly without bearings, as Dante Alighieri voiced so well centuries ago, where will you look for guidance? Throughout the ages, teaches David Whyte, the language of poetry has held a special power to hazard ourselves boldly at the "fierce edges" of our lives.

On Midlife and the Great Unknown, you will engage with poetic imagination as it was meant to be experienced: as your companion and guide for the challenging terrain of midlife. Join this Yorkshire-born poet and bestselling author to explore:

"Radical simplification": an invitation to sit in silent reflection and observation

Using your poetic imagination to navigate life's cycles of loss and joy

Honoring who you are right now, including your skills and limitations, and more

The language of poetry can "emancipate" you into the next phase of your existence, teaches David Whyte. It can help you break through obstacles and give you courage to take necessary risks. Drawing from the wisdom of fellow poets Rainer Maria Rilke, Emily Dickinson, and Seamus Heaney, Whyte invites you to boldly engage in a conversation with the second half of your life on Midlife and the Great Unknown.

©2003 David Whyte (P)2008 Sounds True

It’s great

This is the first time I’ve listened to a book on this app... I loved it and buy books through this. I had a friend share a book with me for and I’ve already shred books to my friends.

More wisdom from David Whyte

There are many pearls of wisdom in this work by David, and it was thought-provoking all the way through. I heard him speak last year at an event, and this audio book was just like being there with him. Highly recommended.

Beautiful, Eloquent, Powerful.

I am so grateful I found David Whyte, a deeply talented and profound observer and orator.

What You Miss(ed)

“You realize what you learn you have lost in the fact of a person dying is you’ve lost what they loved and everything else is like chaff that is blown away. That the summation of a person’s life is the sum of what they held in their affections.”

This made me think of my priorities and what I hold in my affections. Major wake up call!

David Whyte never ceases to stir the soul

David Whyte has the most uncanny ability to touch one's soul with the sound of his voice. He delves so perfectly into our common human struggle. This book exemplifies his ability to combine poetry and stories to highlight the joy, pain and struggle of mid age.