Weekly Reflection: Back and Forth

It’s a tricky thing, to survive 
and thrive. We have to dance 
with both. We have pay the 
heat bill and replace the milk.

But the art of being here depends
on what stays in the foreground.
Is it an endless string of tasks, 
broken by moments of original 
presence?

Or is the stream of aliveness 
carrying us like fish with our
mouths open, only interrupted 
by the tasks that help us stay 
here?

As for me, it goes back and 
forth. I’m not always sure why. 
I only know, after all this time, 
that checking my blood pressure
helps me ensure that my heart
stays strong enough to leap into 
the Universe one more time.

A Question to Walk With: In conversation with a friend or trusted loved one, describe the evolution of your dance between surviving and thriving.

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

Summer Reset Series: A Season of Heartfulness and Clarity

July 23, 2025 | 1:30 PM ET | Online

I’m honored to join LIT’s Summer Reset Series and warmly invite you to a Fireside Chat on July 23 at 1:30 PM ET, alongside @Ronak Sheth, CEO & Founder of @LITVideobooks.

Together, we’ll pause and reflect on timeless insights from The Book of Awakening — exploring what it means to live with an open heart in times of uncertainty. This conversation will be a gentle space for renewal, compassion, and the quiet moments that guide us back to ourselves.

To join us, register here.

As a gift, you’ll receive a free copy of The Book of Awakening videobook to experience before we gather.

Let’s take this time to breathe deeply, listen inwardly, and reconnect with what truly matters.

Upcoming Events with Mark in 2025!

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. *This event currently only has commuter tickets available. There is a waiting list for overnight tickets.

July 23, 2025 at 1:30PM ET: Summer Reset Series: A Season of Reflection — Join Mark for a live Fireside Chat hosted by @LITVideobooks. This free online gathering is part of a summer-long series exploring three profound videobooks. Watch at your own pace and reconnect with what matters most. Click here for details and to register.

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 commuter retreat at Mercy by the Sea in Madison, CT will celebrate the publication of his 27th book and explore the gifts and rhythms of aging. Space is limited to commuters only. Click here to reserve your spot.The Mercy For All Scholarship provides support for those experiencing financial challenges — inquire about partial scholarships. ➔ Learn more and apply here.

September 7, 2025 | 11 am PT / 2 pm ET | ONLINE: Banyen Books & Music FREE book event Mark Nepo in Conversation with Joel Fotinos. Click here to register.

September 21, 2025 | 1 pm PT / 4 pm ET | ONLINE: Book Passage FREE event Mark Nepo in Conversation with Brooke Warner for The Fifth Season: Creativity in the Second Half of Life. Click here to register. 

2026

January 11, 18, 25, 2026: New Webinar!! The Fifth Season: Creativity in the Second Half of Life. Register now at live.marknepo.com.