Weekly Reflection: The Time Is Now

The Time Is Now
Ultimately, it doesn’t matter
what those who are far think
or what I, who am close, say.
What matters is what rises up
the stem of your soul that
feeds your unopened blossom.
But we don’t live in a vacuum,
it’s true. So, yes, we need the
mind to be a sieve and the
heart to be a sponge.
How? I’m still learning, but
what else would we do, other
than pick up things and put
them down?
I know it doesn’t feel it now,
but you are the pearl freeing
itself from your shell.
A Question to Walk With: In your journal, describe the tension you experience between listening to the opinion of others and listening to the authority of your own being.
This is from my book of poems in progress, In the Clearing.

If you feel called to be in the room with Mark this September, and you’re anywhere near the West Coast, or have been wanting to make a trip out, this one’s for you. Three gatherings, each a little different in shape, but all carrying the same invitation: to slow down and be present to the conversation as it unfolds. He’ll be moving through some of California’s most quietly beautiful corners, from the vineyards of Sonoma to the coastline near Santa Barbara. Each event is small on purpose, the kind of room where something real has space to open up.

Sep 12 | Day Long Retreat · Santa Rosa, CA
The Fifth Season: Creativity in the Second Half of Life
Hosted by Sebastopol Senior Center, held at Balletto Vineyards, Reserve Room · 5700 Occidental Rd · 9am – 5pm

A full day with Mark, set among the rolling vineyards of Sonoma County. If you’ve been sitting with questions about what it means to keep creating, keep becoming, in this next chapter of life, this retreat was made for you. Event is SOLD OUT, Click here to join the waitlist

Sep 13 | Afternoon Conversation · Corte Madera, CA
The Language of the Soul with Mark Nepo and Brooke Warner
Book Passage · 1pm PT

Book Passage is one of the most beloved independent bookstores in the country, and this conversation between Mark and author and publisher Brooke Warner feels like it will linger long after it ends. Unscripted, honest, and rooted in what it means to write and live from the inside out. Click here to register

Sep 15 | Evening Gathering · near Santa Barbara, CA (Summerland)
The Language of the Soul
Godmothers Bookstore · 6pm PT

Tucked near the Santa Barbara coast, Godmothers is more than a bookstore, it’s a gathering place, the kind that makes room for deeper conversation. A small, warm evening with Mark, well worth the drive if you’re in the area. SOLD OUT! Click here to join the waitlist.

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, 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. Zoom link to come. ONLINE

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