Your message resonates with me in a way it could not have resonated a week ago. I read a stunning book this past week “Theo in Golden”. As an avid reader I sometimes read very fast because I am so excited about the unfolding story. I could not do that with Theo. It was a story told with such reverence that it demanded being slow and deliberate. It demanded honoring the sacred in us.
Reading this feels like remembering how to breathe. The poem isn’t something I make, it’s what moves through when I finally stop trying to control the moment.
Thank you for reminding us that the poem — like the self — isn’t something we make, but something that moves through us when we stop trying to control the moment.
Poetry and writing have always been my way to connect with myself and therefore the divine. I too am fascinated by the connection of writer and reader, especially now in our digital world, when ideas and thoughts can be easily shared at great distances and touch someone, sometimes altering lives. I know I’ve been changed by writing and poetry, even from a different era. How magical.
This is beautiful, Mark. Love this opening sentence, "our creative growth and our relational growth happen at the same time, as we love the beauty that lives in each of us out into the open..." and then you go deeper and deeper. Resonance. Thank you!
I saw the new Springsteen movie yesterday -superb- it reflects for me much of what you say here regarding the intimacy with oneself and the creative expression generated from that.
I immediately read this piece twice to allow myself to sink into its space. Thank you Mark, may we allow ourselves to gently stretch and open to what lies in between the busyness of life.
“the rush of Divinity we inhabit—that inhabits us—when we give ourselves so completely to the call to be alive with care.” Thank you Mark for the beauty of your words and the reflection they conjure.
“ Even as a boy, when seeing the sudden wind through the trees, something whispered to me, “What is this like? What does it point to?” My life has been a seeing-through with gratitude ever since.” 🙏
I find in creating I may spread the tablecloth too tightly, too flat—to borrow your analogy here—and I need to go back and ruffle it up a bit, add some wrinkles rather than cover the whole table.
To inhabit spaciousness and silence requires trust and a willingness to be in discovery of what emerges within it. I am deeply moved by the contrast in the ways of seeing you describe. The first form appears to look at the outer surface while the second allows the inner landscape to reveal itself. Both require attention, but in such different ways! The first tries to capture, as you say. The second receives. Through the lens of reverence we are given access to view the depths.
I love the lines "when we give ourselves so completely to the call to be alive with care. Then, the Mysterious Life-Force sparks through us into the world, leaving a trail of numinous embers, which we call art." The energy of life sparking through us is a stunning image, particularly in light of the quality of fire, which burns in its own way, wild and a bit unpredictable. Just as who the art touches is unpredictable, and yet somehow just right. Thank you for this, Mark.
Your message resonates with me in a way it could not have resonated a week ago. I read a stunning book this past week “Theo in Golden”. As an avid reader I sometimes read very fast because I am so excited about the unfolding story. I could not do that with Theo. It was a story told with such reverence that it demanded being slow and deliberate. It demanded honoring the sacred in us.
This is on my to read list...
Theo of Golden by Allen Levi
Reading this feels like remembering how to breathe. The poem isn’t something I make, it’s what moves through when I finally stop trying to control the moment.
Thank you for reminding us that the poem — like the self — isn’t something we make, but something that moves through us when we stop trying to control the moment.
Poetry and writing have always been my way to connect with myself and therefore the divine. I too am fascinated by the connection of writer and reader, especially now in our digital world, when ideas and thoughts can be easily shared at great distances and touch someone, sometimes altering lives. I know I’ve been changed by writing and poetry, even from a different era. How magical.
This is beautiful, Mark. Love this opening sentence, "our creative growth and our relational growth happen at the same time, as we love the beauty that lives in each of us out into the open..." and then you go deeper and deeper. Resonance. Thank you!
I never, ever comment on anything, ever. This was amazing.
gracias Mark Nepo
I saw the new Springsteen movie yesterday -superb- it reflects for me much of what you say here regarding the intimacy with oneself and the creative expression generated from that.
Needed this today. Thank you
Thank you for sharing your Wisdom, so much of this dances with my truth… (😂 for whatever that’s worth). Your words feel at home here. 🫲♥️🫱
I immediately read this piece twice to allow myself to sink into its space. Thank you Mark, may we allow ourselves to gently stretch and open to what lies in between the busyness of life.
“the rush of Divinity we inhabit—that inhabits us—when we give ourselves so completely to the call to be alive with care.” Thank you Mark for the beauty of your words and the reflection they conjure.
How beautiful…thank you. ❤️🌷
“ Even as a boy, when seeing the sudden wind through the trees, something whispered to me, “What is this like? What does it point to?” My life has been a seeing-through with gratitude ever since.” 🙏
I find in creating I may spread the tablecloth too tightly, too flat—to borrow your analogy here—and I need to go back and ruffle it up a bit, add some wrinkles rather than cover the whole table.
Beautiful Mark. Sometimes what you write sounds like it coming out of my own head and heart. It’s remarkable. 🙏
To inhabit spaciousness and silence requires trust and a willingness to be in discovery of what emerges within it. I am deeply moved by the contrast in the ways of seeing you describe. The first form appears to look at the outer surface while the second allows the inner landscape to reveal itself. Both require attention, but in such different ways! The first tries to capture, as you say. The second receives. Through the lens of reverence we are given access to view the depths.
I love the lines "when we give ourselves so completely to the call to be alive with care. Then, the Mysterious Life-Force sparks through us into the world, leaving a trail of numinous embers, which we call art." The energy of life sparking through us is a stunning image, particularly in light of the quality of fire, which burns in its own way, wild and a bit unpredictable. Just as who the art touches is unpredictable, and yet somehow just right. Thank you for this, Mark.