Crossing the Unknown Sea: Work as a Pilgrimage of Identity

In this time where personal freedom is a strong motivation, David Whyte helps us understand why a good work life is essential to fulfilling the life we have been given to live. Crossing the Unknown Sea challenges the reader to redefine their work persona and to reclaim a life of meaning by finding and understanding their personal identity. Whyte provides a guide for this individual pilgrimage by sharing personal examples of what it looks and feels like to have a satisfying and rewarding work life. He shows the reader how to successfully meet the challenge of being their best self at work without losing the reality of who that self is. Full of insight and wisdom, often expressed through poetic references, Whyte reminds the reader that at the end of life, an individual is remembered for the things they loved – their passions, pastimes, and hobbies - and the people who loved them, not for their work accomplishments.Crossing the Unknown Sea is especially recommended for those trying to make sense of and bring meaning to what they do, their work lives. This book is also a source of inspiration, and perhaps the needed push, for those who have recognized they need to change their work focus, but did not know how to begin to do so. Whyte walks the reader through the process of reconnecting with their innermost desires and suggests the mental attitudes and daily disciplines needed to successfully identify the distinction between what one does (for a living) and who one is. Despite its predominately individual focus, the book is also recommended for business leaders as the closing chapter discusses the questions and conversations that must be had for corporations to be successful in a constantly changing world and how attract and retain a loyal and productive workforce.Review also posted on windlullaby.com

A somewhat spiritual approach to work.

Excellent book for anyone who wants to explore the importance of following your passion and making a career out of it. I found David Whyte's book to be a guide for exploring, reuniting with, and re-igniting your passion and what you do with your life. I appreciated the idea that for some people their passion was linked to a specific childhood event that caught captured your interest. Some people followed their interest like a butterfly across an open field to the horizon or lost interest and settled for a job. I could easily identify with the metaphor and rediscovered that moment in my childhood that set me on my path. I have since asked many colleagues, friends, and family members if they could identify that childhood moment. The resulting conversation which leads to insights into what and why they chose their path. I have recommended this book to people starting or in mid-career. The general response from people after reading the book has been that it is very helpful.

A person I consider to be a mentor, former Dean JR, recommended I read David Whyte's book. Whyte's metaphorical depiction of his life while in crisis and rebirth is a literary gem. As a literary artist, he blends poignant quotes from other writers with his colorful palette of practical pigments and profound words. With superb artistry and technique, he paints a perfect picture of the challenges and miracles in life that shape us, until we purposely or fortuitously reveal our truest selves.Although I am still at the crossroads with regards to starting a new career, I have at least decided on a clearer path (a path born out of the pages of "Crossing the Unknown Sea: Work as a Pilgrimage of Identity"); one that I believe will fulfill my soul and embolden me to have a greater impact on society.

This book was recommended by my sister who is a brilliant artist that knows her brother inside out and backwards. I was in tears in the first chapter, and I have never seen a wordsmith put sentences together as does David Whyte; they are packed tight with elegance and meaning. If you are spending much of your time wishing you were somewhere else, doing something else, pick up a copy of "Crossing the Unknown Sea -- Work as a Pilgrimage of Identity."

Exceptionally good writers are hard to find. David has become my book choice of 2020. Loved it and plan on reading it again and again. If you're at a place in your life when you question your work, your purpose, yourself - you may just find that nugget you are looking for within this exceptional work. Meeting David is now on my goal list - since I quote him constantly!

Whyte helps you get in touch with your heart, head and soul. You will be touched, moved and inspired as you cross the unknown sea with him. we need to identify and live into our heart's deepest desire and his book facilitates that, big time. read it now, reread it in a year, reread it in 5 and 10 years. His message is timeless.

There was very beautiful writing here. I had a sense that the author was onto something profound that I really wanted to understand. But somehow I just couldn't connect with his language and metaphors. I'd finish beautiful paragraphs and want to share them, but then I'd realize that I couldn't take anything actionable away from it that I could use. I'm going to read it again, I'm not giving up. I hope I'll connect better with the Author's wavelength, and I'll be happy to come back and add more stars if I fare better with the second reading.