In the Ditch

It was a brief, reflexive moment of nature, gone unnoticed near the beginning, a synapse of respect for other life. A small human hunting on the side of a mountain tripped and fell in a ditch as the herd of rams he was hunting came barreling toward him. But rather than crush him, the rams leapt over the fallen man. On his back in the ditch, he watched their white bellies glide over him. He heard the clomp of their hooves on stone as they sped away. And though a long history of otherwise would follow, of men being cruel to whatever is in their way, this inborn respect for other life is always near and possible, if we obey it. It waits in you and me, ready to leap out and help the world continue. Will you let it help the world continue?

A Question to Walk With: Describe your own experience or witness of our inborn respect for other life. Where can apply this inborn respect now?

This excerpt is from my book in progress, The Language of the Soul.

OCT 28-30: Harmony Hill Retreat Center, Surviving Storms: Finding the Strength to Meet Adversity, A Weekend Retreat, (web link) — IN PERSON

NOV 18-20: Shallowford Family Counseling Center, The One Life We’re Given: Finding the Wisdom That Waits in Your Heart, A Fri-Sat Retreat, Sunday Morning Service Talk, Heartwork: Being a Spirit in the World, (web link) — IN PERSON

NOV 30: California Institute of Integral Studies, FREE Live Podcast and Conversation between Mark and faculty member Cindy Shearer about Mark’s new book Surviving Storms, 5-6:30PM PST/8-9:30PM EST, (web link) – ONLINE

DEC 11: Saying Yes to Life! From brokenness to tenderness: A webinar guided by Mark Nepo, Dec 11, 2022 from 1-3pm | 10-12pm EST. In this online webinar, Mark will explore how a life of meaning and love unfolds over time. (web link) – ONLINE

For more info on Mark’s upcoming events, visit: https://marknepo.com/teaching_schedule.php