Weekly Reflection: The Gift Is the Giver
If a bowl is always full, we can become pre- occupied with what’s in it and seldom see the gold in its lining. This is often the plight of givers. We need the gift so badly that we seldom stop to see the gold in their heart that comes from filling their cracks with kindness. When a boy, my grand- parents had a white cut- glass bowl that was always filled with m&ms. No matter how many times we grabbed a handful. It seemed pure magic. Of course, the magic was Pop who was devoted to filling it. So, it’s true, an act of generosity can be written up in the paper, but the giving is quietly there, forever, like light or air. A Question to Walk With: In conversation with a friend or loved one, have each of you tell the story of someone who gave you the chance to discover yourself. This is from my book of poems in progress, In the Clearing.
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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
Love this, so fitting for the day I am having.