Under All We Search For

There is a thread that weaves 
its way through all the noise 
and agitation we create or 
come upon.

It swerves like a sash of life 
preserved from the Beginning. 
It has so many names. Biologists 
call it the ribbon of DNA. And 
hikers call it the stillness in the 
wild that they hike to. 

Physicists call it the wave energy 
that circles particles. And those 
beholden to Spirit know it as 
the shimmering stream where 
all souls drink.

I know it as the cloud of grace
that holds you when you sleep. 
I know it as the unexpected 
feeling that softens my heart.

When still enough, I feel it 
everywhere though I can’t see 
it. Then, I am sure that as black 
light makes the chlorophyll in 
plants glow, music, poetry, and 
love make the thread of life 
visible, in time to save us.

A Question to Walk With: Describe your understanding of the thread that moves through everything.

This is from my book of poems in progress, This Slow Quick Dance.

---

Upcoming Events

Join Mark in person this year!

April 25-27, 2025: Join the Sophia Institute in Charleston, SC, for a transformative 3-day weekend retreat, You Don’t Have to Do It Alone: The Power of Friendship. Click here to explore the profound impact of connection, growth, and resilience through the lens of friendship. Early Bird Discount available!

May 29 - June 4, 2025: You Don’t Have to Do It Alone: The Power of Friendship is a seven day barge journey on the rivers and canals in Belgium that includes 10 sessions with Mark exploring the gift and spirit of friendship. lus there will be incredible excursions to Brussels, Bruges, Oudenaarde, the Chateau de Beloeit (the Belgian Versailles), plus visits to a Belgian chocolate maker’s workshop, tastings at a vineyard and a brewery, and a few more wonderful stops along the canals! For full details, click here. There are only 4 spots open. Global Journey is offering a 10% discount. Use code MNBE25 at registration.

June 27-29, 2025: Enjoy a 3-day retreat at Omega in Rhinebeck, NY with Mark as he deep dives into the great matter of Friendship. You Don't Have to Do It Alone delves into the essential role of friendship and the trials that strengthen or break our bonds. For details or to register, click here.

July 18 - 20, 2025: You Don’t Have to Do It Alone: The Power of Friendship is a 3-day retreat at Siena Retreat Center in Racine, WI. For information and to register, click here.

Aug 22-24, 2025: The Fifth Season: Creativity in the Second Half of Life is a new retreat from Mark based on his upcoming book. This 3-day retreat at Mercy by the Sea in Madison, CT will celebrate the publication of his 27th book and look into the gifts and the rhythms of aging. Stay tuned for the details! Contact Mercy by the Sea for info.