Weekly Reflection: Oh Mom

Artist Unknown, if known please let us know!

Oh Mom

It was on your birth-
day, eleven years after 
you died.

I sank into the torque 
that was your life, and 
how hard it was to 
know you.

I remembered the 
photo my brother
found of you before
we were born.

There was a light in
your eyes that I never 
knew. It made me 
ache and soften.

And in that opening,
you rushed in from 
the other side.

And from the depth 
of what was your heart
to the depth of mine,

I felt you say beneath
all words, “I never 
meant to hurt you.”


A Question to Walk With: In conversation with a trusted friend or loved one, have each of you describe the relationship you have with someone you cared about who has died, and how your relationship has evolved since their death.

This excerpt is from my book of poems in progress, The Sacrament at the Center of Time.

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Mark on Making Space with Hoda Kotb

“I’m grateful to have had such a deep conversation with Hoda on her podcast.” – Mark

In this deeply moving conversation from Making Space, Mark sits down with Hoda Kotb to pull back the curtain on how we can stay open, even when we are hurting, overwhelmed, or just trying to get through the day.

To watch the full episode click here.

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The Language of the Soul: 3–Session Webinar

Jan 10, 17, 24, 2027 | 1-2:30 PM EST | 10-11:30 AM PT

Join Mark for a three-part online gathering built around the heart of his new book, The Language of the Soul. Across three sessions, Mark will guide participants through the forgotten roots of words we use every day, words for love, grief, hope, home, and what they were originally meant to carry before time and habit wore them thin.

"I have sifted the dirt on the path, surprised to find pure gold in a word here and there that might help us live." – Mark

To Register, Visit: www.live.marknepo.com

Upcoming Events with Mark in 2026-2027

Aug 28–30: The Language of the Soul, Mercy by the Sea, Madison, CT. Only 4 commuter spots left!! 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, SOLD OUT, Click here to join the waitlist – 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. SOLD OUT, Click here to join the waitlist.
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. Click here to register. ONLINE

2027

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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

FEB 26-28, 2027: The Fifth Season: Creativity in the Second Half of Life, The Shallowford Center for Mindful Living, Atlanta Georgia, Link to Come, Link to come! 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

MAY 21-23, 2027: The Language of the Soul, Sophia Institute, Link to come! IN PERSON & ONLINE

JUNE 25-27, 2027: The Language of the Soul, Omega Institute, Rhinebeck, NY, Link to come! IN PERSON

SEPT 10-12, 2027: The Fifth Season: Creativity in the Second Half of Life. Siena Retreat Center, Racine, WI, Link to come! IN PERSON