Being young and trying to catch a glimpse of the depths, of the true self, of the soul, or whatever human beings have called it over the centuries, we often find ourselves surrounded by bossy, hectoring voices trying to short-circuit our personal experience by super-imposing their own disappointments. Much of this bossiness masquerades as an education.
David WhyteThe marvelous thing about a good question is that it shapes our identity as much by the asking as it does by the answering.
David WhyteThe art form has to do with the mystery and the hidden invitation that's in the room. And that's when the magic happens, that's when the deep silence emerges to the surprise of all the attentively listening ears. In a way, you're following that silence. You go where the silence is deepest.
David WhyteThose who will not slip beneath the still surface on the well of grief turning downward through it s black water to the place we cannot breathe will never know the source from which we drink, the secret water, cold and clear, nor find in the darkness glimmering the small round coins thrown by those who wished for something else.
David WhyteThe moment youโve uttered the exact dimensionality of your exile, youโre already turning towards home.
David WhyteAs human beings we have this immediate gateway - youโve just to articulate exactly the way that youโre exiled, exactly the way that you donโt belong, exactly the way that you canโt love, exactly the way that you canโt move ... and youโre on your way again. Youโre on your way home. If you can just say exactly the way that youโre imprisoned - the door swings open.
David Whyte