This is a really lovely post, Brooke. My mom introduced me to The Book of Awakening when it first came out, and it’s been my favorite gift to give ever since. I still have her original copy with the dozens of little scrap papers she tucked in between the pages, bookmarking her favorite wisdoms. When I’m missing her, I open to one at random, and it’s almost as if I can still hear her voice. Mark Nepo is an earth angel. How fortunate you were to walk with each other this lifetime.
I love the idea that writing in itself is the most precious gift, whereas all of us writers out here are so focused on the publishing goal, which makes sense, because we want to know our words resonate with others. But still, the admonition to keep writing even though you think no one is listening is powerful because our words have energy and hold a place in the universe until they are read and heard by others, sort of like the Voyager carrying messages through space.
On today's webinar Mark talked about how he learned that he needed to give attention to his work rather than get attention for it. Another beautiful insight and words to live by.
I’m not sure whether I told you that my dear friend Ina brought me to Mark. She passed in 2020 and would be so happy that working with you further connected me to him. Thank you Brooke!
Thx for the rec & backstory. Found his breathtaking writing on Substack (a go back to re-read & ponder every other line type of writing). Putting his book on TBR. In these dark times in MN, I need to read something to remind myself we are spiritual beings momentarily living through an earthly experience . . .
I love this post, so calm and so wise. I especially love Brooke's observation about Mark's practice: "The point being that Oprah was not the destination; his calling to write was the same whether he had no readers or many millions of readers." It reminds me of what a dear friend from my writer's group asked me when I went out with my first novel many moons ago. "Do you like what you've written?" he asked, and when I told him I was really pleased with what I'd done, he nodded and said, "Don't forget that, no matter how many people pass on your manuscript. You did the work you meant to do." And some forty years and five books later, I've never forgotten.
It sits on my night table. The Book of Awakening. Your words & your love for him, for Mark, are so very beautiful and powerful. Thank you so much for sharing your friendship with all of us. You always make me wanna be a better woman. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Fabulous to read your piece today, Brooke. I admire your work, tenacity, and generosity. Well done, and I can't wait to read Mark's books and learn more about him. Thank you.
This is a really lovely post, Brooke. My mom introduced me to The Book of Awakening when it first came out, and it’s been my favorite gift to give ever since. I still have her original copy with the dozens of little scrap papers she tucked in between the pages, bookmarking her favorite wisdoms. When I’m missing her, I open to one at random, and it’s almost as if I can still hear her voice. Mark Nepo is an earth angel. How fortunate you were to walk with each other this lifetime.
Earth angel is a perfect term. ❤️
I love the idea that writing in itself is the most precious gift, whereas all of us writers out here are so focused on the publishing goal, which makes sense, because we want to know our words resonate with others. But still, the admonition to keep writing even though you think no one is listening is powerful because our words have energy and hold a place in the universe until they are read and heard by others, sort of like the Voyager carrying messages through space.
On today's webinar Mark talked about how he learned that he needed to give attention to his work rather than get attention for it. Another beautiful insight and words to live by.
Those are some wonderful gems and a reminder to keep writing, even when no one is watching. 👍
What a sweet story about friendship and going the distance because it is important to you or someone you love.
I met Mark at a writing retreat years ago and he has been an inspiration in my own writing. The Book of Awakening is worn and loved on my night table.
Beautiful, Brooke. Thank you for sharing.
I’m not sure whether I told you that my dear friend Ina brought me to Mark. She passed in 2020 and would be so happy that working with you further connected me to him. Thank you Brooke!
I didn't know this, Sally. Love all the tendrils that connect us.
Thank you, Brooke. So much to unpack and savor in your essay and Mark’s work. Balm for the soul. 💜
Love - Friendship is a spiritual practice
This is so much what I'm thinking about and trying to live. I'll check out The Book of Awakening. Yes.
Thx for the rec & backstory. Found his breathtaking writing on Substack (a go back to re-read & ponder every other line type of writing). Putting his book on TBR. In these dark times in MN, I need to read something to remind myself we are spiritual beings momentarily living through an earthly experience . . .
I love this post, so calm and so wise. I especially love Brooke's observation about Mark's practice: "The point being that Oprah was not the destination; his calling to write was the same whether he had no readers or many millions of readers." It reminds me of what a dear friend from my writer's group asked me when I went out with my first novel many moons ago. "Do you like what you've written?" he asked, and when I told him I was really pleased with what I'd done, he nodded and said, "Don't forget that, no matter how many people pass on your manuscript. You did the work you meant to do." And some forty years and five books later, I've never forgotten.
That's beautiful, Elizabeth. Gotta keep those gems close and it's awesome that you have.
I'll try to join the last minute!
It sits on my night table. The Book of Awakening. Your words & your love for him, for Mark, are so very beautiful and powerful. Thank you so much for sharing your friendship with all of us. You always make me wanna be a better woman. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Fabulous to read your piece today, Brooke. I admire your work, tenacity, and generosity. Well done, and I can't wait to read Mark's books and learn more about him. Thank you.
Thank you for this, it is both helpful and insightful. Not to mention the timing is perfect...