The Book of Awakening: Having the Life You Want by Being Present to the Life You Have - Softcover

Nepo, Mark

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1573241172 ISBN 13: 9781573241175

Publisher: Conari Press,U.S., 2000

Synopsis

The Book of Awakening, a cult favorite since its original publication in 2000, catapaulted to fame in 2010 after it was chosen as one of Oprah Winfrey's favorite things. This gift edition with sewn binding and a ribbon marker reflects the book's odyssey as a well-beloved daily companion. Mark Nepo wrote the book more than a decade ago, in response to his journey through cancer a decade before that. That experience led him to create a day book not only for people going through life-threatening situations but for everyone.

Nepo calls it, "a book to help people meet their days and inhabit their lives. I had a commitment to create a book that could serve up inner food, that could be turned to as a spiritual first aid kit." That this book continued to find its readers affirms its quality as a life affirming companion. Again, in Nepo's words, "I think it confirms the yearning of people everywhere for meaningful and humble work that invites readers on a journey together. The premise of the book is that people everywhere have a wisdom of their own and the book is there to guide them to their own wisdom."

The Book of Awakening is a modern classic, speaking to the hearts of hundreds of thousands of readers. It's a daily guide for living in hard times and good times, all the time reminding us that the life we're living is the life we have. Lived authentically it can and does become the life we want.

This hardcover edition features a ribbon marker and a subject index that allows the reader to search for quotes and inspiration pertinent to his or her life not only by day but my category.

About this title

Review:

Ironically, when we walk in the shadow of death, it is a time when we feel illuminated by life's true meaning. Poet and philosopher Mark Nepo has first-hand experience with this mystery, having been diagnosed with cancer. During his arduous recovery, he sought inspiration and guidance that would reflect his glowing appreciation of life. This daybook is exactly what Nepo longed for; it is book that can be appreciated by readers in all walks of life.

Starting with 1 January and finishing with 30 December, this collection of essays offers a poet's sensibility and sensuality. Yet it also offers well-harvested wisdom. "Water reflects everything it encounters", Nepo writes in a 5 May essay. "This is so commonplace that we think water is blue, when in fact it has no colour... But the water, the glorious water everywhere has taught me that we are more than what we reflect or love. This is the work of compassion: to embrace everything clearly without imposing who we are and without losing who we are". After each entry, Nepo offers a short list of suggestions or questions to help carry the essay into the day. There are many inspirational daybooks out there. What sets this one apart is the mature poet's voice rising from a seasoned soul. --Gail Hudson

Review:

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

"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

"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 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

About this edition

• Publisher: Conari Press,U.S.
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 1573241172
• ISBN 13: 9781573241175
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 378