524. Mark Nepo

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-one 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. Mark has a regular columnist for Spirituality & Health Magazine. Recent books include Drinking from the River of Light; More Together Than Alone: Discovering the Power and Spirit of Community in Our Lives and in the World, cited by Spirituality & Practice as one of the Best Spiritual Books of 2018; Things That Join the Sea and the Sky, a Nautilus Book Award Winner; and The Way Under the Way: The Place of True Meeting, a Nautilus Book Award Winner. If you’d like more information about Mark, his books, or events, please visit MarkNepo.com or ThreeIntentions.com. Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group. Summary and transcript of this interview Interview recorded November 9, 2019. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:03:51 - Being a Conduit and a Membrane 00:07:10 - Believing in Everything 00:10:18 - The Diversity of Paths 00:13:39 - The Story of Ganesh 00:16:58 - The Addiction to Watching Things Fall Apart 00:20:31 - The Two Tribes 00:23:43 - The Paradox of Progress and Incarnation 00:27:10 - The Essential Role of Music in Survival 00:30:37 - Being the Poem and Breathing in Life 00:34:04 - The Evolution of Creativity 00:37:10 - The Disconnect and Epidemic of Mass Shootings 00:41:05 - The Heart as a Gill 00:44:35 - Looking Inward, Finding Contentment 00:47:45 - The Power of Shared Consciousness 00:51:31 - The Power of Connection and Resilience 00:55:24 - The Wagon Wheel Metaphor and Community 00:58:29 - The Power of Quotes from Presidents 01:01:49 - Holding the Paradox of Being Jewish 01:05:10 - Softening the Heart through Conversation 01:08:19 - Feeling the Collective Consciousness 01:11:50 - Distributing the Pain and Opening Our Hearts 01:14:56 - The Wisdom of Suffering 01:18:22 - The Continued Exposure of Misconduct and the Challenge of Enlightenment 01:21:21 - Learning from Nature and Culture 01:24:14 - Learning by Watching the Monkey 01:27:12 - God's Words on the Heart and a Compassionate Universe 01:30:21 - The Little Worm and the Golden Web 01:33:26 - The Unity of Creation and Interconnection 01:36:38 - Starting the Day with Meaningful Rituals 01:39:32 - Concluding Thoughts and Remarks