Weekly Reflection: Drag And Sweep

No matter what happens, the love 
we have for others never goes away. 
Like a bottle of wine spilled on the 
ground, you can’t put it back. 
So where does it go? 

I think it keeps the heart moist 
as a sponge lifted from the deep, 
making me grateful, even to 
those who left me.

I think it makes the back of our 
eyes glow. I think it stops me from 
thinking and softens all the edges 
until the drag and sweep of heart 
makes us love again.


A Question to Walk With: Journal about a story of someone you know, maybe even yourself, who has experienced the drag and sweep of heart that makes us love again.

This excerpt is from my book of poems, The Half-Life of Angels.

A Weekend with Mark at The Sophia Institute – Friday Evening Now Open to All! April 25-27

In times like these, friendship isn’t just a comfort — it’s a lifeline. It’s how we make sense of the world, how we heal, and how we remember we don’t have to walk through anything alone.

Join Mark for a heartfelt 3-day retreat at The Sophia Institute, where we’ll explore the deep, sustaining power of friendship. Through story, reflection, and spiritual practice, Mark will guide us inward and toward one another — reminding us of the strength that lives in connection, especially during life’s most tender seasons.

NEWLY OPENED TO THE PUBLIC: The retreat begins with a special Friday evening talk and book signing for Mark’s newest work, You Don’t Have to Do It Alone: The Power of Friendship. This intimate gathering offers a beautiful opportunity to experience Mark’s teachings, whether or not you're joining the full weekend.

Friday, April 25 | 6–8pm ET at The Sophia Institute
$30 in advance | $40 at the door

Click here for more details or to register.

Upcoming Events with Mark in 2025!

April 25-27, 2025: You Don’t Have to Do It Alone, 3-day weekend retreat at the Sophia Institute in Charleston, SC. Explore the profound impact of connection, growth, and resilience through the lens of friendship. Click here to register

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. There will also be several delightful excursions click here for full details. There are only 4 spots open. Global Journey is offering a 10% discount. Use code MNBE25 at registration.

June 27-29, 2025: This 3-day retreat with Mark dives into the great matter of Friendship at Omega in Rhinebeck, NY. Explore how friendship is indispensable to us, and the inevitable trials by which our bond is strengthened or broken, and how our friendships bring us back to life. 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.

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

September 14, 2025 | 1 pm PT / 4 pm ET: 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.