The Book of Awakening: Having the Life You Want by Being Present to the Life You Have (20th Anniversary Edition) by [Mark Nepo, Jamie Lee Curtis]
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The Book of Awakening: Having the Life You Want by Being Present to the Life You Have (20th Anniversary Edition) Kindle Edition
by Mark Nepo (Author), Jamie Lee Curtis (Foreword) Format: Kindle Edition
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A new edition of the #1 NYT’s bestseller by Mark Nepo, who has been called “one of the finest spiritual guides of our time” and “a consummate storyteller.”
Philosopher-poet and cancer survivor Mark Nepo opens a new season of freedom and joy—an escape from deadening, asleep-at-the wheel sameness—that is both profound and clarifying.
His spiritual daybook is a summons to reclaim aliveness, liberate the self, take each day one at a time, and savor the beauty offered by life's unfolding. Reading his poetic prose is like being given second sight, exposing the reader to life's multiple dimensions, each one drawn with awe and affection.
The Book of Awakening is the result of Nepo’s journey of the soul and will inspire others to embark on their own. He speaks of spirit and friendship, urging readers to stay vital and in love with this life, no matter the hardships. Encompassing many traditions and voices, Nepo's words offer insight on pain, wonder, and love. Each entry is accompanied by an exercise that will surprise and delight the reader in its mind-waking ability.
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446 pages
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English
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From the Publisher
freedom; joy; spiritual; soul; new age; self-help; transformation; awaken; purpose; meaning; journey
freedom; joy; spiritual; soul; new age; self-help; transformation; awaken; purpose; meaning; journey
An Invitation from Mark Nepo
This book is meant to be of use, to be a companion, a soul friend. It is a book of awakenings. To write this I’ve had to live it. It’s given me a chance to gather and share the quiet teachers I’ve met throughout my life. The journey of unearthing and shaping these entries has helped me bring my inner and outer life more closely together. It has helped me know and use my heart. It has made me more whole. I hope it can be such a tool for you.
freedom; joy; spiritual; soul; new age; self-help; transformation; awaken; purpose; meaning; journey
March 4 | For What Are We Saving?
When I was ill, I faced the very real possibility of dying, and suddenly the little money I’d saved, however prudent I was, didn’t matter. It was all worthless. It became immediately clear that the only true purpose of money was to help make love work. When ill, I didn’t hesitate to make all those long-distance calls I always put off. I met friends at concerts and bought albums and sent flowers instead of waiting for the perfect occasion. I bought plane tickets to the Caribbean for my wife and my dearest friends—and we went!
Once well, I couldn’t go back to deferring my life under the guise of saving. I still save some, but now I feel compelled to use whatever money I can afford to make love work, to bring truth into being, to allow generosity and compassion to flourish. This is more than altruistic. It is necessary to be fully alive. It’s part of the wood that keeps the inner fire burning.
freedom; joy; spiritual; soul; new age; self-help; transformation; awaken; purpose; meaning; journey
September 13 | Wisdom Creatures
As spirits in bodies we live like whales or dolphins, always swimming near the surface, forever compelled by a light from above that we can’t really make out. And just as the water brushes against the eyes of these fish as they make their way in and out of the deep, the days shape how we see.
So much is going on at any one time beneath what we show the world that all our feelings, all our thoughts and expressions, splash like water on those we surface before. In this way, every person when looked squarely in the eye is a wisdom-creature, full of things that cannot be said. Each of us a spirit-fish breaking through for love and air.
We often don’t take the risk or time to stand before another long enough for their truth to surface. This is what I need, for you to wait till I can get there, all fresh from the deep. After all the trouble we go through to find each other, we must wait over and over for our loved ones to break through with their wisdom.
freedom; joy; spiritual; soul; new age; self-help; transformation; awaken; purpose; meaning; journey
December 17 | Healing Ourselves
One of the most difficult things about healing from being hurt by others is how to put wounds to rest when those who have hurt us will not give air to the wound, will not admit to their part in causing the pain. I have struggled with this deeply. Time and again, I find myself confusing the want for justice with the need for a witness of the wound. Physical wounds are hard to miss, but emotional wounds are seldom visible. This is why they must be looked at and acknowledged if we are ever to heal. Yet so often, our pain is compounded by the very human fact that we may never agree on the nature of what happened. If we do, we may never admit it to each other. Or the amends we feel we so deserve may go with the hurtful one to the grave.
As with so many other crucial negotiations of life, what’s required is to honor what lives within us. We must bear witness to ourselves, for there is no power as embracing or forgiving as the authority of that portion of God that lives in each of us.
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com Review
The time when we walk in the shadow of death is, ironically, a time when we feel illuminated by life's true meaning. Poet and philosopher Mark Nepo has firsthand experience with this mystery--he had cancer. During his arduous recovery, he sought inspiration and guidance that would reflect his growing appreciation of life. Although this daybook is exactly what Nepo longed for as he struggled with a difficult disease, , it can be appreciated by all readers.
This collection of essays, one for every day from January 1 through December 30, offers a poet's sensibility and sensuality and gives the reader Nepo's well-harvested wisdom. "Water reflects everything it encounters," Nepo writes in a May 5 essay. "This is so commonplace that we think water is blue, when in fact it has no color.... 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 --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From the Inside Flap
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? --This text refers to an alternate kindle_edition edition.
Review
"A year’s supply of inspiration every day and the perfect gift for yourself and your friends." -Oprah Winfrey --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
About the Author
Mark Nepo is a poet and philosopher who has taught in the fields of poetry and spirituality for over thirty years. He has published twelve books and recorded five CDs. Forthcoming work includes a new book of teaching stories, As Far As the Heart Can See, (HCI Books, Fall 2011), Finding Inner Courage (Red Wheel-Conari, Spring 2011, originally published as Facing the Lion, Being the Lion, 2007), and audio books of The Book of Awakening and Finding Inner Courage (CD, Simon & Schuster, Spring 2011). His most recent book of poetry is Surviving Has Made Me Crazy (CavanKerry Press, 2007).
In 2010, Mark sat down for an interview with Oprah Winfrey as part of her Soul Series on the satellite radio network, SIRIUS XM Radio. Of his books, The Exquisite Risk (Harmony Books) was cited by Spirituality & Health Magazine as one of the Best Spiritual Books of 2005, calling it "one of the best books we've ever read on what it takes to live an authentic life." The Book of Awakening was a finalist for the 2000 Books for a Better Life Award and was cited by Spirituality & Health Magazine as one of the Best Spiritual Books of 2000. Mark's collected essays appear in Unlearning Back to God: Essays on Inwardness (Khaniqahi Nimatullahi Publications, 2006). Other books of poetry include Suite for the Living (2004), Inhabiting Wonder (2004), Acre of Light (1994, also available as an audiotape from Parabola under the title Inside the Miracle, 1996), Fire Without Witness (1988), and God, the Maker of the Bed, and the Painter (1988).
His work has been translated into French, Portuguese, Japanese, and Danish. In leading spiritual retreats, in working with healing and medical communities, and in his teaching as a poet, Mark's work is widely accessible and used by many. He continues to offer readings, lectures, and retreats. Please visit Mark at: MarkNepo.com and threeintentions.com.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Product details
ASIN : B07XGNYPW4
Publisher : Red Wheel; Twentieth Anniversary edition (January 1, 2020)
Publication date : January 1, 2020
Language : English
File size : 4326 KB
Text-to-Speech : Enabled
Screen Reader : Supported
Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
X-Ray : Enabled
Word Wise : Enabled
Print length : 446 pages
Lending : Not Enabled
Best Sellers Rank: #46,694 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
#84 in Spiritual Self-Help (Kindle Store)
#214 in Personal Transformation
#256 in Motivational Self-Help (Kindle Store)
Customer Reviews: 4.7 out of 5 stars 3,539 ratings
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Mark Nepo
MARK NEPO moved and inspired readers and seekers all over the world with his #1 New York Times bestseller The Book of Awakening. Beloved as a poet, teacher, and storyteller, Mark has been called “one of the finest spiritual guides of our time,” “a consummate storyteller,” and “an eloquent spiritual teacher.” His work is widely accessible and used by many and his books have been translated into more than twenty languages. A bestselling author, he has published twenty books and recorded fourteen audio projects. In 2015, he was given a Life-Achievement Award by AgeNation. In 2016, he was named by Watkins: Mind Body Spirit as one of the 100 Most Spiritually Influential Living People, and was also chosen as one of OWN’s SuperSoul 100, a group of inspired leaders using their gifts and voices to elevate humanity. And In 2017 Mark became a regular columnist for Spirituality & Health Magazine.
Recent work includes Drinking from the River of Light (Sounds True, 2019); More Together Than Alone (Atria, 2018) cited by Spirituality & Practice as one of the Best Spiritual Books of 2018; Things That Join the Sea and the Sky (Sounds True, 2017), a Nautilus Book Award Winner; The Way Under the Way: The Place of True Meeting (Sounds True, 2016), a Nautilus Book Award Winner; The One Life We’re Given (Atria) cited by Spirituality & Practice as one of the Best Spiritual Books of 2016, Inside the Miracle (Sounds True) selected by Spirituality & Health Magazine as one of the top ten best books of 2015; The Endless Practice (Atria) cited by Spirituality & Practice as one of the Best Spiritual Books of 2014; and Seven Thousand Ways to Listen (Atria), which won the 2012 Books for a Better Life Award.
Mark was part of Oprah Winfrey’s The Life You Want Tour in 2014 and has appeared several times with Oprah on her Super Soul Sunday program on OWN TV. He has also been interviewed by Robin Roberts on Good Morning America. The Exquisite Risk was listed by Spirituality & Practice as one of the Best Spiritual Books of 2005, calling it “one of the best books we’ve ever read on what it takes to live an authentic life.” Mark devotes his writing and teaching to the journey of inner transformation and the life of relationship.
Mark continues to offer readings, lectures, and retreats. Please visit Mark at: www.MarkNepo.com, http://threeintentions.com and http://wmespeakers.com/speaker/mark-nepo.
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mark nepo every day start the day thought provoking book of awakening highly recommend way to start every morning beautifully written daily readings look forward great way recommend this book cancer survivor great book life you want want by being present ever read book to anyone friends and family
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Webraven
1.0 out of 5 stars Buyer beware: based on RELIGIOUS framework/beliefs
Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2020
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I would like to make prospective buyers aware of the fact that, while the product description does not make this clear, this book is based on christian beliefs. For those readers who do not subscribe to these types of beliefs, look elsewhere and spare your self the trouble of returning the product.
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Haical Sajovic Haddad
5.0 out of 5 stars Special Daily Messages
Reviewed in the United States on April 13, 2018
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Well, I feel gifted to have this gem in my hands. I say that because am only on my 4th month of this 365-daily reading rituals, and can sincerely say that it has positively impacted my life. First of all, it's an early-morning motivational piece of advice we keep bringing every single day. It also creates such a positive habit to spend 10 minutes every morning working on something positive/mindful, helping us to set the direction of the day. It's somehow special to have short steps for reflections/meditations/breaths at the end of each daily message in order to complement our daily message.
Mark Nepo shares his journey in such a pure and sincere manner, empowering ourselves to be and love who we are. It's a revealing journey, a company to bring wherever we are. It's my first book from him, but I do believe his other books/writings are equally special.
I purchased both the kindle and physical versions, so that it's always with me wherever I go. I like the kindle version because we can download the books wherever we are, in all our devices. Besides that, it's easy to find the passages we highlighted and took notes, and even to reread them afterwards. But again, having the physical book is just unique.
Finally, as a side note, when I purchased it, I also gifted my good friend with the same book. Although we live in different countries at the moment, I do think of him every day when we both read the passage in our own time. I say that because it can be a unique present to a loved one.
Haical
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p.j. lazosTop Contributor: Writing
5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful book!
Reviewed in the United States on November 14, 2015
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In The Book of Awakenings, Mark Nepo breaks open the harried existence we call life and folds it into bite-sized nuggets of wisdom that nudge us along toward expansion, a more open mind, a more indulgent spirit, all in service to elevating the soul. Nepo writes like a man who has crossed the desert and made it to the oasis for the revitalizing drink, then decided the oasis was a pretty fine place to be. A poet and philosopher by trade, Nepo is also a cancer survivor. While he fought the disease, life changed, became scary, possibly shorter, but decidedly different. Nepo suddenly saw the world through slow eyes, coming through the trauma more receptive and mature, and ultimately decided to write down his observations which turned out to be a boon for the rest of us. Just like tempered glass needs a little heat to coax it to its super state of existence, Nepo needed a little cancer to get his 3-D priorities right with his Soul.
The work comes across as if time is infinite (spoiler alert: it is), so why not settle down and make note of a few things while you can. A calendar book, meaning you can read the day’s entry or you can skip around and read it in any order you like, The Book of Awakenings is not about deadlines, but lifelines. I am reading it slowly, savoring it like I would an expensive box of chocolates, but in orderly fashion, leaving randomness for the second round that I know there will be. You can’t absorb this book through a single read; it’s too rich with its lifetime worth of wisdom crammed into a bit more than 400 pages. The Book of Awakenings is a perfect read for anyone who feels as though they’re muddling through: losing life, losing purpose, losing love, identity, focus, or worse, the malaise has manifested as a dis-ease in the body and there you are, broken, alone, clueless as to how to break the cycle. It’s also perfect for someone with no problems, but many questions.
If any of these scenarios sound like yours, I have a suggestion: read The Book of Awakenings. While not a guarantee of success — only you can do that — it will help you find a path in the worst of times. The Book of Awakenings shows you why everything is a blessing, even cancer, and why there is no such thing as curses, only cursed thinking, which with a little work can be changed. Nepo wants you to celebrate life by seeing the good in all things, but don’t misunderstand. This is not a touchy-feely self-help book. Rather, it’s a retreat for the mind and Soul that will provide the self-loving space for the body to follow.
It’s hard to imagine a more beautiful book ever having been written. A modern day Rumi, Nepo meets you where you are and turns you from the outside in. You owe it to yourself to follow.
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Cindy Alix Foley
5.0 out of 5 stars A Forever Keepsake
Reviewed in the United States on November 10, 2020
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I found a deep well of understanding in Mark Nepo's The Book of Awakening - so profound that if one were to question the existence of a supernatural power - after reading this book - that question would forever be answered. I usually pass on good books to other readers, but I'm going to keep this one within daily reach so I can savor it, take occasional bites from it, and devour it slowly; and when I've gone through all the pages, I'll go back through it again and again over scores of time to find new truths being revealed with every read. A must-have for all searching for wholeness, healing truth, and spirit.....and more - because The Book of Awakening definitely offers more and leads us to believe that we can imagine something beyond our wildest dreams - our truest, best selves ... and then some.
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Joe DiNucci
5.0 out of 5 stars Addictive, in a good way
Reviewed in the United States on November 11, 2018
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My teacher at coaching school gave me this book in 2006. For more that 4,380 days my day has started with Mark Nepo's daily passage, read from this battered paperback on my bathroom vanity. . As a career and life coach, I've given this book to at least 150 people, plus everyone of my friends and family. All the other praise you see is valid. I'll never stop reading and appreciating this amazing work.
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Verenice castro
5.0 out of 5 stars This book is a great book to read when starting your day as well ...
Reviewed in the United States on March 5, 2017
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This book is a great book to read when starting your day as well as before falling asleep! It is well written super easy to read.
This author has the power to give you a new perspective on life to appreciate yourself and all living beings that sorround you. Life is short, and we only get one, everything that lives has a purpose. Always love yourself and learn from your mistakes. I would recommend this book to everyone and anyone. This is the kind of book I would read over and over and over. It's got way too many stories to read back on. This inspiring book would make an awesome gift.
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catwrangler
1.0 out of 5 stars I thought this was going to be more Buddhist
Reviewed in the United States on December 9, 2019
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I thought this was going to be more Buddhist with the whole lotus flower on the cover but then they kept throwing in God quotes and I lost interest. Just a forewarning.
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TheZee
5.0 out of 5 stars This book was my companion through 2018
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 3, 2019
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Mark Nepo is this awesome offering walked with me through last year and I was refreshed, retrained, restored and returned to my core every time. The potholes in life were bearable because I had a tutor to circumnavigate the many seasons of emotions and vagaries. I highly recommend this volume for those who desire to have a copilot in the flight through each day.
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Don't write reviews but this book was worth it. Must read and must buy.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 8, 2018
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So much to learn in such little tidbits. When reading at the start of the day it really helps bring your day into perspective and puts me in a good and positive mood. Honestly did not expect to love this book as much as I do, and i will definitely buy more copies to gift family and friends.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 20, 2018
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Mark Nepo fab writter
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Jayne
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 8, 2020
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I ordered this book from the UK yesterday for my daughter in Athens, it is there today!!! To say I’m impressed is an understatement!
The book itself is wonderful, very uplifting and in these times very important!
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Annie
5.0 out of 5 stars Well written easy to understand and with optional exercises at the end ...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 23, 2014
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A lovely inspirational book for everyday and everybody.. Well written easy to understand and with optional exercises at the end of each reading. Nothing too long or indeed too complex, helps to view life and living from a different angle which is all good.
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COMMUNITY REVIEWS
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Average rating4.09 · Rating details · 10,524 ratings · 403 reviews
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Linda
Jan 19, 2015Linda rated it it was amazing
Shelves: favorites, 5-star-winners, soul-spiritual-themes
When was the last time that you were totally awed by a particular book? Well, I'd like to hand off a copy of Mark Nepo's The Book of Awakening because "awakened" you will be. Your search for daily meditations is over. This is truly the one! I own stacks of books that I page through to speak to me of matters that touch my spirit. I no longer need the stack. Each day Mark provides you with something to ponder indepth. He has a profound gift for leaving loveprints upon your soul with language that touches your very being. I've highlighted, circled, underlined, and have left my copy well-worn and totally embraced. Mark knows the uncertainties of life and he shares and shares with a dialog found nowhere else in time. Highly, highly recommend. (less)
flag49 likes · Like · see review
Renee Amberg
Aug 06, 2019Renee Amberg rated it it was ok
This book was kinda hard to get through. Overall it had really impactful messages but you have to really dig to find them. Nepo explains simple life lessons with the use of many metaphors, which I didn't really enjoy. It seemed that every single thing he experienced he had to somehow dissect, symbolically. I prefer to take in life as it is and not try to make it anything more than what it needs to be. Overall, I'm a more simple, straight to the point kinda gal as this books has a lot of fluff. But, if you like poetry and symbolism I feel like you would enjoy this read. (less)
flag27 likes · Like · 1 comment · see review
Mary Schumann
Jul 30, 2012Mary Schumann rated it really liked it
Recommends it for: anyone looking for higher awareness, more satisfaction with where they actually are in life
Recommended to Mary by: friend
I really like this book. I am reviewing a copy from the library, but will make a purchase. It's a daily meditation, the author gives a short quote or thought, then a deeper exploration of the meaning of that quote, and follows it with an exercise to do on your own, if you wish. My perception of it so far is that it simply changes the angle at which you see things and opens your eyes to a new way of approaching your life or your thoughts. It doesn't INSTRUCT you to think in any particular way, but rather poses a question or gives an example that you can apply to your particular situation. It helps guide mindfulness. I hesitated to put that in as a description because it may turn some people off, but it's a practical tool to being aware of your life. Sometimes we just need a different perspective on things. I can see that this book would not lose it's usefulness after 1 year because as your life changes the exercises and meditations naturally will follow. (less)
flag22 likes · Like · 1 comment · see review
Susan
Jul 31, 2012Susan rated it it was amazing
I found each daily entry thought provoking and inspiring. Mark Nepo's book is balanced and creatively written with great reflective questions. He gently nudges you to become more aware, awake and present. His book touched me deeply by his simple storytelling "awakening" a sense of longing for better living and connection within me.
Daily reads take 2-3 minutes, are filled with great quotes, subtle humor and a touch of mysticism. Wholesome soul food at its best. (less)
flag11 likes · Like · comment · see review
Doubledf99.99
Jan 12, 2016Doubledf99.99 rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
Shelves: spirituality, favorites
This book was giving to me upon my release from the hospital, was bedridden for months, the book really came in handy going through that and the chemo phases, definitely helped me through some trying times and just coping with what was going on.
And still read it from time to time.
flag10 likes · Like · 2 comments · see review
Debbie "DJ"
Apr 26, 2014Debbie "DJ" rated it it was amazing
Shelves: favorites, spirituality
This is by far the best daily reader I have ever read. I no longer have a stack of meditation books, as this surpasses them all. So far each daily read has left me with a sense of "WOW!" His writing is deeply profound and the messages go straight to my heart. He also includes a short meditation after each read which carry the message even further. You will be amazed...I love this book!
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Kim Stalling
Jan 13, 2011Kim Stalling rated it really liked it
Some days, the message is exactly what I need. Earlier this week, I was feeling very insecure about some career issues and wishing I were a bit like others. There was a story about a man (Akiba - I believe) who was sorry he wasn't living his life like Moses. The message reminded us, God wants us to live our lives as ourselves, not as someone else. It was exactly what I needed to remember at that moment. (less)
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Anne
Jun 13, 2018Anne rated it did not like it
This was a miss for me and is headed to the little library. While I absolutely love the format, a daily spiritual devotion with calendar dates, the musings of Marc Nepo did not resonate with me at all.
Take for example June 12. “To count by touching” where it states we need to count by touching, not by adding and subtracting. When we count with our eyes, we stall the heart.
WTF!???!!! What are we counting? Why can’t we use math? I truly do not get how this is spiritual. “To count with Hands brings us deeper than all counting…” What drivel!
If this resonates with you, congratulations I highly recommend this beautiful and nicely packaged book. If this makes zero sense to you, leave it like I did, in the little library. (less)
flag5 likes · Like · 2 comments · see review
Helena
Dec 30, 2019Helena rated it it was amazing
What a beautiful book. One that has been my (almost) daily companion thru the year; one I intend to make my daily companion next year as well.
(And at long last, a blog post about this life-companion of a book:
https://helenaroth.com/the-book-of-aw... ) (less)
flag4 likes · Like · comment · see review
John Girard
Nov 19, 2012John Girard rated it it was amazing
Shelves: kindle, hard-copy
An exquisite book of daily meditations. One of my very favorites.
flag3 likes · Like · comment · see review
Rosey
Feb 01, 2020Rosey rated it really liked it
This is a daily read,,, truly one of the best I’ve had
flag2 likes · Like · see review
Roman Stadtler
Jul 28, 2009Roman Stadtler rated it it was amazing
Shelves: cancer, trauma-survival-healing
Nepo is a wonderful poet and storyteller, so don't let the "self-help" title turn you off. These short vignettes of his experiences of loss, of his own cancer, and lighter moments, contain all sorts of wisdom and surprising little moments of self recognition. I've given this book as a gift many times, and keep returning to it myself. One of those books I'd want on the proverbial deserted isle.
Merged review:
Nepo is a wonderful poet and storyteller, so don't let the "self-help" title turn you off. These short vignettes of his experiences of loss, of his own cancer, and lighter moments, contain all sorts of wisdom and surprising little moments of self recognition. I've given this book as a gift many times, and keep returning to it myself. One of those books I'd want on the proverbial deserted isle. Recommended for: anyone, but especially if you're dealing with a traumatic event. (less)
flag2 likes · Like · comment · see review
Tricia
Aug 19, 2011Tricia rated it liked it
Shelves: non-fiction, inspirational, 2011
This book was okay but it could have been better. No doubt, there were many wonderful lessons contained within its pages, and on certain days it is EXACTLY what you need to hear. While there are many wonderful stories, quotes, meditations, etc. to enjoy within this book I thought that it would have been even MORE improved if the author had not included soooooo many personal stories. I wanted this book to be a little more objective in its advice and parables; I did not need yet another story about how Mark Nepo survived cancer and learned to forgive his horrible family. The daily stories that I found most rewarding and have pondered on the most were the ones that were told entirely in the third person and did not reference Mark at all. (less)
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Kenneth Ferber
Aug 14, 2012Kenneth Ferber rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
This is a kind of daily reflection 'Bible' for me and almost always 'primes the pump' when it comes to personal reflection as well as an incentive for my own writing. Mark Nepo is a cancer survivor which was his 'hitting bottom' so to speak and part of his transformational experience. Nepo is also able to effectively combine the spirituality of the world, embracing so many branches, from Christianity to Buddhism, Hinduism and much more in his personal and thoughtful year of daily reflections. The author concludes each reflection with a way to 'practice' it and work it into ones daily walk. I own and have used MANY varieties of daily reflection books that encourage me, but none that goes as deeply and practically as this one. (less)
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Viktor Nilsson
Aug 15, 2019Viktor Nilsson rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
This book is amazing.
I grew up in a very secular environment and I've never had any interest for reading anything else than programming manuals and the like. So picking up this book was very unusual for me. In fact, I don't even know how to categorize it - Spirituality? Meditation? Philosophy? Poetry? For me it was all of the above. One chapter per day, a 3 minute read, left me deeply fulfilled in a place inside, for which I can't even find a name. Some of the chapters stayed with me for the whole day, or even until now.
Very accessible yet very fulfilling. (less)
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Dominic
Jun 28, 2015Dominic rated it did not like it · review of another edition
Here we have a list of random stories, each ending with a random list of "action points," not necessarily related to the story even remotely. Plus each chapter mentions "God this," or "God that," or "prayer."
Please don't waste your time on this Ridiculous Religious Collection of Randomness. (less)
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Effie
Jul 21, 2012Effie rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
Reading this daily. Each reading gives such a window to a deeper, richer, examined life. Nepo is a gifted writer who has really taken this journey. Grateful for his insight which helps
Improve mine.
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Kate
Jan 01, 2016Kate rated it it was ok
Shelves: other-spiritual-books
The book is formatted into a daily meditation guide whose purpose is to awaken you, using quotes, and many spiritual precepts as the jumping off points. Day-books have been the rage in the last decade, and frankly, most are a bit like FaceBook, allowing you to feel like you are having a brief respite when in fact, like the thousand friends you've collected, real friends need to be cultivated and spent time with, listening and understanding and celebrating. I postulate that while they may be nice as part of a calendar, if you want to have any kind of spiritual awakening, you need to pick a spiritual path and stay with it like you would a good friend, and get to know its depths.
While I was so-so on some of the quotes and his commentary about them, I had a great deal of trouble with several of the religious precepts I perused. If you are going to use religious quotes and precepts, then know them. OR, tell your readers you are a dabbler and going loosey-goosey on everyone, throwing your shallow interpretation on the wall to see if it sticks. OR, say you like this quote, saw it as graffiti on a bathroom wall, what it means to you, and that you've not spent much time on it. OR, don't interpret a quote at all and just write what you want to say. A quote doesn't validate you, but to a reader, it might make them think you know what you are talking about.
I was gifted with the book. It is poorly written. While it is true, everyone has the right to take a word and reinterpret it anyway one likes, language and culture are based on the dialogue between the differences and similarities of thought. And it may be true that I know more than your average bear about a lot of religious ideas, going deeply into four of them. Still, Nepo has taken many precepts, religious quotes, and has not bothered to really understand them. He has given a platitude version of a quote for the ages. While this may have helped someone, somewhere, I have a problem with what the man robs a reader of the opportunity for, and that he holds himself out as a meditation instructor who is guiding you to a deeper and more awakened life, when it is really a Hallmark day-book. I postulate he wastes your time for 15 minutes over 365 days (roughly 90 hours) when in that same time you might get to some sort of awakening by picking up a Buddhist, Jewish, Shamanic, Catholic -- insert your faith here -- book and going deeply into the pages, thinking about what they mean with a really good highlighter! (Oooh, there's a good quote for my own daily book!)
Granted I didn't read the whole book -- I read from the back (this is a weird thing I do unless it is a book of fiction) and was unimpressed. Then this morning, I went to page one, Jan 1, and decided to give this a chance. I read, "Precious Human Birth. Of all things that exist, we breath and wake and turn it into song." He began to incorrectly describe what that precept is all about (and in any scholarly -- not spiritual -- Buddhist 101 book they'd give it to you accurately) then took off on his own digression. He even threw in a chop-wood-carry-water reference -- just to let you know he knew a bit about Zen/Taoism/Eastern thought!
Okay, it is a good thing to contemplate what he said -- to marvel at how great it is to be human and give thanks to be able to reflect and be conscious (and he implies other forms of life do not do this) -- BUT BUT BUT, this is not the precept. There is so much more to it. The precept of "Precious Human Birth" is not just about being grateful for the gift of a human body, it is also to contemplate that you have a gift in that you have heard good teachings, truths that you can use toward consciousness, compassion, openheartedness. It is a contemplation you do at the beginning of every Buddhist prayer -- in any branch of Buddhism -- so understand that it is core to a mind-set toward all the practices and meditation, from the most difficult or elaborate to the simple act of zazen. You contemplate four thoughts:
1) having this precious moment free of tyranny or fear, perhaps;
2) of the fact that you can die at any time;
3) of karma, (what you do -- thinking too, if we are honest -- whether virtuous or nat, traps you into cause and effect;
4) and of the suffering of others.
The last one eventually leads many on to the Bodhisattva vow, to not rest until all are released from suffering (Reader's Digest explanation.) These are four preliminaries are words, and in the beginning of my path I thought them a bit mundane and boring. Then I wondered, "Why do they all yak on and on about these obvious things?" Wondering why teachers I respected yakked on about them, and trusting them a bit to guide me, led to contemplation. I committed to my practice and went deeply with them, discovering in the gratitude beyond the wonder of blue sky, into the synchronicity of my precious life and its more painful moments as well. And to look for the consciousness in all things.
When Nepo reduces this to more than the statement of "contemplate your Precious Human Birth," and begins to reduce it to you meditating on how you are different than the rock and the bench, he takes your practice away from you. He leads you into a sense of false security that you are pretty hot stuff, and your life is pretty damn good. Then during the day you may wonder why that feeling doesn't last.
Real practice, any real practice (although I think there are better practices and worst practices if you want to awaken), will not just make you feel good for a few minutes, or make you think you have 4,678 friends. It will make you feel the discomfort you have, and offer a way to seriously cope and grow through the discomfort, just as an awake person may enjoy their FaceBook friends but also know that most are not "real" friends but acquaintances or less, and in that number there are a few good friends who must be tended, spoken to, cried for, cared about, shared with, and celebrated. (less)
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Sherry
Mar 13, 2019Sherry rated it really liked it
Shelves: read-in-2019, religion-spirituality
I’ve not completed it and though the writing was thought provoking I’ve been moving in a new direction with meditation and the writing was no longer facilitating or reflecting on my process but rather distracting from it. I may pick it up at another time as the writing was lovely, but for now, and likely for a long time to come, this is being shelved as read. I had been using it as something to reflect on for my meditation and perspective and had read a good portion of it but having experienced a significant shift in both those areas the book is no longer engaging me. (less)
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Elizabeth
May 21, 2017Elizabeth rated it it was amazing
This harks back to 1999 but the call to slow down, pay attention, and get past ego I feel is more important than ever. I listened to the author read this and I am ordering a copy for myself to have at hand for always. It contains a parable and a meditation presented for each day of the year. There is so much meaty wisdom here, I cannot wait to delve into it over and over again.
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WritingReadingSoul
Dec 27, 2018WritingReadingSoul rated it it was amazing
I read this book year after year and learn something new each time!! I’ve also purchased copies for friends who are searching for deeper meanings in life. I definitely recommend anything by Mark Nepo.
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Kiera
May 19, 2021Kiera rated it liked it
This is the second time I've tried this book. There are some great bits of knowledge to meditate on, but since you read one portion a day I feel like it should built on itself. (less)
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Kelly Lang
Dec 30, 2019Kelly Lang rated it it was amazing
Great daily reading over the past year. Thought provoking daily passages encouraging the reader to slow down and enjoy all aspects of our lives including the good and bad.
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Chris Bird
Jun 12, 2019Chris Bird rated it it was amazing
My sister gave me this book after my divorce. It was a pretty introspective time for me - due in large part because of this book.
This book was so impactful. It helped me realize that everyone struggles. Everyone has doubts in themselves and others. And everyone can easily blame others for things but it’s just not worth it.
It’s set up to read a passage each day. Some nights I’d read the passage for that particular day and move on to other things. Other days I’d read the same passage a dozen times. And other days I’d read multiple passages - begging to understand more.
I’ve given this book more times than I can count to friends that are going through their own challenging times. But the truth is - we all are going through challenging times in some aspects of our lives - so it’s relevant for everyone at anytime. (less)
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Ross Victory
Nov 10, 2019Ross Victory rated it it was amazing
This is one of the those books that will never get old and inspire daily throughout our lives!
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Nia Ferrell
May 19, 2015Nia Ferrell rated it it was amazing
I am doing a project for my sophomore English class in which we were to find a topic that we were passionate about, and do research as well as impact the community. There were not very many guidelines for this project, what we call the passion project, however one of the things required was we were to find a book related to our topic. My topic is appreciation, and I actually had a very difficult time coming across a book that showed appreciation the way I want to display it-- in a positive light. However, when I stumbled upon "The Book of Awakening: Having the Life You Want by Being Present to the Life You Have," I knew it was a perfect fit. I was not disappointed at all in this book, and all in all it really opened my eyes a lot to my topic. It allowed me to relate to my topic more as I followed Nepo's tips and tricks in order to live a positive life. I truly enjoyed this book, and if anyone is ever in a tough spot in their life, I truly recommend reading this. Not only will it open your eyes, but it will also allow you to see all the good things in life us as humans tend to miss out on. (less)
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Martina
Aug 16, 2019Martina rated it it was amazing
I was a bit reserved at the beginning when I first read the title of the book. It sounds like so many of „self-help“ books with pretentious titles that don't actually tell you anything and are way to repetitious. I had PDF format so I just scrolled through it, nothing to lose, eh…and I'm glad I did it. Written in form of daily meditations to coincide with the calendar, I was stunned with author's use of language and insight on everyday mundane things we often take for granted. Author is cancer survivor and poet, so everything he learns through his illness and hardships is inside the book, and all the time while reading, you have the feeling like you're talking to a friend (there are some exercises at the end of each chapter/day so you reflect on them if you wish). I couldn't stop reading once I started and will definitely order a copy to read it in future.
(less)
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Robin
Aug 12, 2014Robin rated it really liked it
For someone like me who struggles with acknowledging and exploring my feelings, I appreciate how Nepo concentrates on mindfulness and self-awareness. I was curious about him and looked into his life. It's nice to know a bit more about someone if you are considering taking their advice...maybe it's the librarian in me? Nepo and his former wife were diagnosed with cancer around the same time in midlife. It seems this was a catalyst for them to diverge from one another eventually. Nepo is now married to a potter and sculptor. Knowing that emotional upheaval was involved in the genesis of his words makes them more accessible to me. I find some of the exercises helpful as they help me to develop my "meditation muscle" and remind me to slooooow down. (less)
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Rita
Feb 02, 2012Rita rated it it was amazing
Shelves: read-again
a beautifully written book of daily meditations. Set up to coincide with the calendar. thought-provoking, calming, insightful
Finished thos on Dec. 31st and had a little yearning to start it all over again this year. I think I will move on to something else this year and come back to it next year. Really liked this one. Neop pulls quotes from wellj-known and not so wellj-known authors as well as his own thoughts and expands on one each day to help the reader gain a better knowledge of themselves. Spiritual, insightful, full of good things to give you a different perspective on people, life and the world. (less)
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Lisa Brummit
Jan 18, 2011Lisa Brummit rated it really liked it
I start every morning with an inspiration from this book. I take the time I need to reflect on the daily passage and have found it to be a way of learning about the real person I am. I have been searching for inner peace for so long , this book has helped me to meditate on the important things to make my life and my inner self more complete and at peace. I love this book and want to give everyone I know a copy.
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