About the Author

Mark Nepo is a poet and philosopher who has taught in the fields of poetry and spirituality for forty years. A New York Times #1 bestselling author, he has published fourteen books and recorded eight audio projects. Recent work includes: Reduced to Joy (2013), Seven Thousand Ways to Listen, which won the 2012 Books for a Better Life Award, Staying Awake (2012), Holding Nothing Back (2012), As Far As the Heart Can See (2011), Finding Inner Courage (2011), and Surviving Has Made Me Crazy (2007), as well as audio books of The Book of Awakening, Finding Inner Courage, and As Far As the Heart Can See (2011). As a cancer survivor, Mark devotes his writing and teaching to the journey of inner transformation and the life of relationship.

Mark has appeared with Oprah Winfrey on her Super Soul Sunday program on OWN TV, and has been interviewed by Oprah as part of her SIRIUS XM Radio show, Soul Series. He has also been interviewed by Robin Roberts on Good Morning America about his New York Times bestseller The Book of Awakening. The Exquisite Risk was cited by Spirituality & Practice as one of the Best Spiritual Books of 2005, calling it "one of the best books we've ever read on what it takes to live an authentic life." Mark's collected essays appear in Unlearning Back to God: Essays on Inwardness. Other books of poetry include Suite for the Living (2004), Inhabiting Wonder (2004), Acre of Light (1994), Fire Without Witness (1988), and God, the Maker of the Bed, and the Painter (1988).

His work has been translated into more than twenty languages. In leading spiritual retreats, in working with healing and medical communities, and in his teaching as a poet, Mark's work is widely accessible and used by many. He continues to offer readings, lectures, and retreats. Please visit Mark at: www.MarkNepo.com, http: //threeintentions.com and www.simonspeakers.com/MarkNepo.

Reviews

Mark Nepo is an astonishing poet and teacher. He generously comforts us while guiding us toward the deep, quiet river of wisdom that saturates each and every day of our lives. Mark is a loving, devoted companion who helps us feel and see and listen to a breathtaking beauty that is alive and vibrant, deeper than language. He gently and patiently leads us beside still waters; wherever we follow him, we discover we have been blessed. --Wayne Muller, from the Foreword, author of Sabbath and How, Then, Shall We Live?--Wayne Muller

"Mark Nepo is a true poetic empath, taking us on a 365 day-by-day journey. And no matter what day, or whatever you're going through--like magic--you will find his words will speak to your exact situation, which at that moment instills in the reader an instant feeling of lightness, solace, warmth, and understanding. Pick this book up, again and again and again, and it will do the same for you." --Steven Tyler of Aerosmith and American Idol--Steven Tyler

"Mark Nepo's writing creates echoes in our hearts of what is true and of what we most cherish. Keep The Book of Awakening close by, and dip in whenever you want to nourish your spirit."--Tara Brach, author of Radical Acceptance and Radical Compassion--Tara Brach

"A year's supply of inspiration every day and the perfect gift for yourself and your friends." --Oprah Winfrey--Oprah Winfrey