The Exquisite Risk: Daring to Live an Authentic Life

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 three CDs. A new book of teaching stories, As Far As the Heart Can See, is forthcoming from HCI Books (Fall 2011). Recent titles are Finding Inner Courage (Red Wheel-Conari, 2011, originally published as Facing the Lion, Being the Lion, 2007), Surviving Has Made Me Crazy (CavanKerry Press, 2007), and Inner Courage (CD, Three Intentions, 2009). As a cancer survivor, Mark devotes his writing and teaching to the journey of inner transformation and the life of relationship. 

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.