Philosopher, poet, and cancer survivor Mark Nepo ushers in a new era of joy and freedom—a profound and enlightening break from dull, sleep-at-the-wheel monotony. His spiritual journal is an exhortation to be alive again, to free oneself, to live each day as it comes, and to appreciate the beauty that life has to offer.
Reading his lyrical words is like being granted second sight, revealing all of life’s facets, each depicted with wonder and love. His soul’s journey is documented in the Book of Awakening, which will encourage others to follow in his footsteps.
Speaking about camaraderie and spirit, Nepo exhorts readers to be alive and in love with life despite its challenges. Nepo’s words provide insight on grief, wonder, and love, encompassing a multitude of traditions and voices. The exercises that accompany each item will surprise and amaze the reader with their capacity to awaken the intellect.
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About the Author
Poet and philosopher Mark Nepo has spent more than three decades teaching poetry and spirituality. In addition to recording five CDs, he has authored twelve books. In the works to come are the audiobooks of The Book of Awakening and Finding Inner Courage (CD, Simon & Schuster, Spring 2011), the new teaching story book.
As Far As the Heart Can See (HCI Books, Fall 2011) and Finding Inner Courage (Red Wheel-Conari, Spring 2011, originally published as Facing the Lion, Being the Lion, 2007). Surviving Has Made Me Crazy is his most recent poetry collection (CavanKerry Press, 2007).
Oprah Winfrey interviewed Mark in 2010 as part of her Soul Series on SIRIUS XM Radio, a satellite radio network. Spirituality & Health Magazine listed his book The Exquisite Risk (Harmony Books) as one of the greatest Spiritual Books of 2005, describing it as “one of the best books we’ve ever read on what it takes to live an authentic life.
“Spirituality & Health Magazine named The Book of Awakening one of the Best Spiritual Books of 2000, and it was a nominee for the 2000 Books for a Better Life Award. Unlearning Back to God: Essays on Inwardness (Khaniqahi Nimatullahi Publications, 2006) contains a collection of Mark’s writings.
Other poetry collections include Fire Without Witness (1988), God, the Maker of the Bed, and the Painter (1988), Suite for the Living (2004), Inhabiting Wonder (2004), and Acre of Light (1994, also available as an audiotape from Parabola under the title Inside the Miracle, 1996).
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Review
In order to elevate the soul, Mark Nepo breaks down the hectic world we call life in The Book of Awakenings and condenses it into digestible pearls of knowledge that nudge us in the direction of growth, a more open mind, and a more indulgent spirit.
Nepo writes as if he had travelled across the desert, arrived at the oasis for a refreshing drink, and then concluded that the oasis was a quite pleasant place to be. Nepo is a cancer survivor and a poet and philosopher by profession.
His life altered as he battled the illness; it grew frightening, perhaps shorter, but unquestionably different. After emerging from the experience more mature and responsive, Nepo abruptly viewed the world through slow eyes.
He finally made the decision to put his observations in writing, which was beneficial to the rest of us. Nepo needed a little cancer to align his 3-D priorities with his soul, just like tempered glass needs a little heat to induce its superstate of being.
Time seems to be endless in this work (spoiler alert: it is), so why not take a moment to sit down and take some notes? The Book of Awakenings is a calendar book, so you may read the entries for each day or you can read it in whatever order you like. It’s not about deadlines, but rather lifelines.
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I’m reading it carefully and enjoying it as much as I would a pricey box of chocolates, but in a methodical way, saving the unpredictability for the second round, which I know will occur. With a lifetime’s worth of wisdom packed into little over 400 pages, this book is too rich to be read in one sitting.
Anyone who feels like they’re stumbling through life—losing identity, focus, love, or purpose—or worse, when the malaise has taken the form of a physical ailment and you’re left feeling broken, alone, and unsure of how to end the cycle—should read The Book of Awakenings. It’s also ideal for someone who has a lot of enquiries but no difficulties.
I have a recommendation if any of these situations resonate with you: read The Book of Awakenings. It will assist you in finding a way through the most difficult times, but it is not a guarantee of success—only you can do that.
The Book of Awakenings explains why everything is a blessing, including cancer, and why curses don’t exist—only cursed thinking, which can be altered with a little effort. Do not misinterpret; Nepo wants you to appreciate life by finding the positive in everything. It’s not a sentimental self-help book. Instead, it’s a mental and spiritual vacation that will give the body the self-loving space it needs.
It’s difficult to think of a book that was ever more exquisite. Nepo is a contemporary Rumi who transforms you from the outside in. You must follow for your own sake.
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Summary
Mark Nepo’s book “The Book of Awakening: Having the Life You Want by Being Present to the Life You Have” is a life-changing and spiritually enlightening book. This insightful book provides a daily roadmap for waking up and leading a grateful, courageous, and thoughtful life.
Nepo fosters a stronger connection with oneself, others, and the world around them by encouraging readers to accept life’s joys and challenges via a compilation of poignant insights and lyrical advice. The main ideas and revelations from “The Book of Awakening” will be examined in this article.