Without Effort

Remember when we sat in your
study by the window, wondering
why life is so hard. And just then,
the sun, without effort, rushed
its way through the clouds
across our faces.

And the sudden light spilled
across all the open books we
had around us.

Today, I think of you
and how a toe in the water
is worth all the descriptions
of water. And a moment of
love is worth all the windows
it passes through.

A Question to Walk With: Describe an experience of love that changed your idea of love.

This is from my book of poems in progress, Tales of the Ferryman.

Mark will be offering retreats, free events, and a few special journeys in 2024. We’ve also added few new events for 2025!  

Sept 8 11am PT/2pm ET –  FREE Online Event You Don’t Have to Do It Alone: The Power of Friendship, Join Mark Nepo with Joel Fotinos in Conversation, hosted by Banyen Books & Sound. Register for this free event here.  

Sept 29 1pm PT/4pm ET: You Don’t Have to Do It Alone with Mark Nepo in Conversation with Brooke Warner, this online ticketed event is hosted by Book Passage. Register here for the zoom link. 

Nov 1-3:, You Don’t Have to Do It Alone: The Net of Friendship weekend retreat at Harmony Hill Retreat Center, Federal Way, WA. Click here for information on registering.  NEW LOCATION — The Retreat Center at the Palisades in Federal Way

Upcoming in 2025!!!!

Feb 10-15, 2025 Mastery Week: You Don’t Have to Do It Alone: The Power of Friendship, is a weeklong retreat at the Modern Elder Academy in Baja, guided by Mark Nepo and Jeff Hamaoui. Click here to get information and to register. 

May 29 – June 4, 2025 You Don’t Have to Do It Alone: The Power of Friendship is a seven day barge journey on the rivers and canals in Belgium that includes 10 sessions with Mark exploring the gift and spirit of friendship. For full details, click here. 

July 18 – 20 You Don’t Have to Do It Alone: The Power of Friendship is a 3-day retreat at Siena Retreat Center in Racine, WI. For information and to register, click here.