Customer Reviews

Clear Mind, Wild Heart

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

These CDs put me in mind of an American friend who once said that she wasn't interested in anyone not transforming themselves. They've been spinning in my diskman ever since arriving in the post, and I've been listening to them during my long seaside walks, which is when I slough my skins.

In my view, the language of transformation has been devalued by the self-help industry. It's been so bled of meaning or beauty or both that it's of no use to any of us anymore.

Whyte has directed me towards a language that'll always have blood in its veins, and that's sharp still - the language in poetry. There're no easy slogans here, no pastiched wisdom. Nor are there any gags or attention-grabbers or bullet-points of formulaic action. Whyte just rolls on like a sea lapping steadily at the shore; he gives the listener an ocean of language to contemplate, to immerse themselves in - it's up to you to find what you need for whatever transformation you're currently attempting. His words are generous, intelligent, considered, and often deeply moving. Plus there are dozens of "eureka!" moments to be had: one of mine was when I first heard him say, "I think that boredom is a failure of the imagination." Another was when he introduced then read Yeats' poem "Song of wandering Aengus."
He's not saying much that's new - but he speaks with an eloquence that has woken me up. And he has a lovely voice, and speaks with a soothing cadence.

Buy these CDs. It's worth it.

The message resonates, but even more satisfying than Whyte's commentary is his vocal interpretation of Dante, Yeats, Hopkins, Rilke (in German and English). This is an audio pleasure for people who regularly feast on poetry, but also for anyone willing to examine the power of language and the spoken word; listening to this tape brings back all the pleasure of being read to as a child.

I have been converted to the work of David Whyte. I am really impressed with this man's passion, insight and clarity. I have not listened to all these CD's as I purchased his 'Midlife and the Great Unknown' and have been engrossed with this first.

A word of advice. That these CD's do not have tracks and each CD is a single track. This makes finding favourite sections a real chore. I am both disappointed in this, and that at least one of these CD's is an exact replica of the other CD mentioned above, BUT with the addition of this edit issue. The other CD is easier to drive. If you're not familiar with the beautiful work of David Whyte, and if you like more than one track on each CD, then try 'Midlife and the Great Unknown' first.

New to David Whyte, but always seeking inspiration and meaning, passion and depth, when a friend lent me a cd of his I couldn't believe my ears. It's like magic: the kind of speaking that is from the soul and the heart, filled with wisdom of his own insight and the insight of writers through the ages.

If you're reading this, you must find a way to hear him read poetry. He reads like no one I've ever heard before. Repeating lines with different inflection, tone, volume. David's as alive in his voice as Yo Yo Ma is in cello playing. He's changed the way I recite poetry for good.

This particular CD set was worth every dollar of the $44 it cost. It catalyzed my own poetry writing it was so inspiring.

This is one of the best audiobooks I've ever encountered. I purchased it years ago and have listened over and over - probably ten times over five years - and each time I get more out of it. Spiritual truths are rarely presented with such complete clarity, compassion, and fearlessness. As a voracious reader, a poet, and a spiritual growth/self development obsessive, I can think of few programs that are more helpful.

The crazy thing is ... this is not self help. This is just plain old fashioned bold living. David Whyte is an inspiration, and all of his books and audio programs are more than worth the pittance you spend. Whether you are interested primarily in the poetry he reviews so well or in the "living on the frontier of your life" he teaches, you will find tremendous value in giving this a good long listening.

Fair warning: this is not pablum, and not for the faint of heart. Approach this material with a still, receptive mind and an environment free of distractions. Between his melodious voice, the intensely rich material, and the powerful passions he is capable of calling forth in you, this is not something to be listened to as background for your life. I like listening while I clean the house or take long road trips alone. Or, as I first did, listening with my very elderly, wise, witty grandparents in their warm living room in Vermont with snow falling outside in soft blankets. That was, I think, heaven.

Don't buy this CD unless you are ready to take a spiritual journey with David that travels straight into your heart through your soul and expands out into the universe. It was very difficult for me, but I was finally able to hand it to a very dear friend of mine to share with him. I did not want to let it go. When you listen to David's Clear Mind, Wild Heart, you can feel your heart opening in a sigh of relief, safe, full of love and ready to risk. If you have come across this CD and reading this you were meant to. Peace and Namaste.
:)

There is no way to explain in words how listening to David Whyte will make you feel. It is an experiential awakening of your heart and soul that is almost painful in its intensity. These tapes make you laugh and cry and want to walk along the wild shores of north Wales with David at your side.

He speaks of personal transformation and revelation, underground intuition and the opening of eyes, grief and freedom. He describes living at the "frontier edge" of your life, and of moving through thresholds of existance to leave your old life behind. His poetry, and that of other poets that he recites, moves you to consider deeply your own commitments and knowledge of your purpose in life. His voice is deep and resonant and his words make you feel as if you are in an intimate conversation with him next to an inviting fire on a snowy night.

"revelation must be terrible
knowing you can
never hide your voice again."

I'v owned the CD set for some years now. In the beginning (around the time my 6-yr old son was born), I listened to it every opportunity I got. Over and over. Now, I return to it about once every 18 months or so. It's one of those works that are new every time you listen to it.

The ability to think in new ways, imagine in fresh images, and teach oneself to sense & feel in more nuanced, even unchartered ways, is one of the secrets of David Whyte's approach.

His poems are simply mesmerizing. They create the effect of having just woken up from a hot claustrophobic dream, to a fresh open space where the same things still confront you, but somebody dusted them off and opened some windows to let in a breeze you never felt - until now.

I found this recording to be so annoying that I did not listen to completion. Although the writer's voice is rich and beautiful, I found the way that he kept CONSTANTLY repeating lines for emphasis to be incredibly irritating... incredibly irritating. Not wanting to subject anyone else to this recording (despite the topic of spritual growth being of genuine interest to me and many others that I know), I literally threw it away -- which was a bit painful given the excessively high price-tag. If anything, read the book(s) instead.