Vitality Out of Emptiness with Fr. David Denny

by Swanson

The inner desert
arises primarily from grief:
the universal desert of loss
that grinds the soul to dust
and bears within it
the threat of despair
as well as hope
for transformation
and compassion.

– Fr. David Denny

Fr. David Denny is a lifelong  seeker whose commitment to the unfolding mystery of life has brought him to explore the deserts of place and soul.  In 1975 Fr Dave entered the Spiritual Life Institute, a contemplative monastic community rooted in the Carmelite tradition. And in 2005, he left that community to co-found the Desert Foundation with Tessa Bielecki. A writer, a poet, retreat master and teacher, Fr. Dave now hangs his hat in Tucson, Arizona. 

In our conversation, Fr. Dave and I talk about the roundabouts, the striking insights, the totality of the journey of his life that lead him to be an urban hermit. Fr. David Denny has co-authored Seasons of Glad Songs: A Christmas Anthology, Desert Voices: The Edge Effect and is a part of the collection The Nature of Desert Nature edited by Gary Nabhan.

Visit Fr. Dave’s website: sandandsky.org

Episode Show Notes

Books by Fr. David Denny

Resources & People Mentioned

Drink Recommendation

  • Sazeracs

pulled with kindness from laitylodge.org