Weekly Reflection: No Way Back
When an undergrad at Cortland State, the veil to the Infinite parted briefly, while I was cresting a hill in spring, and my life as a poet began. There was no way back to what had come before. And twelve years later, when I was diagnosed with cancer, the door I had come through to keep that appointment was gone. And there was no way back to my life before that moment. And fourteen years after that, I began to love the world by loving you. And there was no way back. I can see now that they were all the same door, which before opening can frighten us or even protect us, we think. But going through it, the galaxy coats our breath. A Question to Walk With: In your journal, describe a time when you were led into a new way of being in the world and how there was no way to go back to the way you were. This is from my book of poems in progress, In the Clearing.
The Fifth Season: Creativity in the Second Half of Life | The Omega Institute | June 19-21, 2026 | IN PERSON
In four days, Mark will be at the Omega Institute for a three-day in-person retreat on creativity as a lifelong companion.
“I think this is the journey of aging: to become a student of the inside of everything. And all along, I have tried to share what life keeps teaching me from within.” — Mark Nepo
That spirit is exactly what this gathering is built around. Through poetry, storytelling, and shared reflection, the retreat explores what it means to keep creating from the inside out — not as productivity, not as performance, but as a way of staying awake to life as it deepens.
If you’ve been feeling the pull toward something more inward, more spacious, this is a rare chance to be in the room with Mark for an extended stretch of time.
The Book of Awakening Inspiration Deck: Award Winning!
The Book of Awakening Inspiration Deck: 64 Full-Color Cards has been named a Gold Winner in the Gift & Specialty category, including Card Decks and Daily Wisdom Books, at the 2026 Nautilus Book Awards. It also received a Special Honor for Living Wisdom in Daily Practice.
The Nautilus Awards recognize books and creative works that contribute to conscious living and positive change, and to see the deck honored in this way feels like a reflection of everything it was made to do: to bring Mark’s words into daily life, one card at a time. We are deeply grateful to everyone in this community who has held the deck, shared it, gifted it, and let it find its way into your mornings and quiet moments. This is your recognition too.
Upcoming Events with Mark in 2026-2027
June 19-21: The Fifth Season: Creativity in the Second Half of Life, Omega Institute, Click here for more information. – IN PERSON
Aug 28–30: The Language of the Soul, Mercy by the Sea, Madison, CT. Click here to register. *Mercy by the Sea only has “commuter spots” available. Once again, their ministry is willing to offer partial scholarships to those in need. Learn more and apply here. - IN PERSON
Sep 12: The Fifth Season: Creativity in the Second Half of Life, Day Long Retreat, Balletto Vineyards, Reserve Room, 5700 Occidental Rd, Santa Rosa, CA | 9am – 5pm | Sebastopol, California, Click here to register – IN PERSON
Sep 13: @ 1pm PT: The Language of the Soul. An intimate afternoon conversation with Mark and Brooke Warner at Book Passage Corte Madera, California. Click here to register. - IN PERSON
Sep 15: The Language of the Soul. An intimate in-person gathering with Mark at Godmothers Bookstore near Santa Barbara. Register here for this ticketed event.
IN PERSON
Oct 11: @ 11-noon PT/2-3pm ET The Language of the Soul. A conversation with Mark Nepo and Joel Fotinos, presented by Banyen Books & Sound. Zoom link to come. ONLINE
2027
January 10, 17, 24, 2027: The Language of the Soul, The Power to Awaken, Connect, and Heal. A 3-session webinar guided by Mark Nepo. 1-2:30PM ET | 10-11:30AM PT. Click here for more information. – ONLINE
February 8-13, 2027: The Fifth Season: Creativity in the Second Half of Life, a Mastery week, The Modern Elder Academy in Baja, Mexico, Click here to sign up
IN PERSON
April 2027: Weeklong Retreat with Mark Nepo in a castle outside of Milan, Italy Click here to learn more and register – IN PERSON
