Weekly Reflection: In the Airport

Suddenly, while walking 
between terminals, everything 
relaxed, as if I’d slipped like a 
stray bird into the eye of the 
storm. 

There, the past stopped 
chasing me and the future 
stopped calling me. And my 
heart was awash with those
I love.

I stood still and smiled.

So this is the summit, the 
one that those about to leave
speak of. The peak you don’t 
have to climb to. The unexpected 
opening where all the entangle-
ments fall away.

Then, just as suddenly, it 
passed and I remembered the 
gate I was heading for, and the 
people who would meet me
at the other end.

How blessed am I, I thought.
I get to die and keep going.



A Question to Walk With: In conversation with a friend or loved one, discuss the line in the poem “the peak you don’t have to climb to.” What do you think is suggested by this?

This is from my new book of poems in progress, In All Moves Between Us.

An Intimate Journey Through Belgium’s Canals – Only 4 Spots Left! May 29th - June 4th

Join Mark for a soul-nourishing journey through Belgium’s storybook canals, where his love of travel and teaching come together in a deeply personal way. This is more than a trip—it’s an invitation to slow down, reflect, and connect with kindred spirits in an intimate setting.

Amid the beauty of springtime in Belgium, you’ll share meaningful conversations, guided reflections, and quiet walks through cobblestone streets. It’s a rare chance to explore both the outer world and your inner landscape with someone who has spent a lifetime traveling the soul.

If you feel called click here to join.

Use code MNBE25 at registration for 10% off.

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.