Bread for the Journey

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Wayne Muller

Wayne's Books,
CDs, & Articles

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Rarely do organizations have the luxury of turning to philosophers and poets for inspiration and perspective. At Bread for the Journey, we are blessed to have two such people who volunteer their time and resources. Both Wayne Muller, our founder and Mark Nepo, our friend and poet, encourage us to turn our attention within as we address issues in the outer world.

Bread for the Journey recently published two books of Mark's poetry: Suite for the Living, which contains 41 poems and Inhabiting Wonder, which contains 51 poems. Through poetry and prose, Mark often pierces the membrane at the surface of life, inviting us into our depths. Many of the poems in these books have been read at gatherings around the country over the last ten years. At times, when Mark reads his poetry, the room is left in breathless silence.

Other books by Mark Nepo. | To purchase the poetry books - go to the order form.

For more info about Mark see his website at www.marknepo.com.

Mark Nepo is a generous pilgrim in the landscape of mystery. He lends us his knowing eyes, turning shapes in his capable hands, revealing things we barely know, things that live beneath language. Mark allows them to break surface and here, they breathe. Mark (and his poetry, for they are as one) has been a loving friend, guide, muse and teacher for countless grateful audiences around the world. Wherever I speak, if I read one of Mark's poems I know to bring many copies, for I will inevitably be asked by hungry listeners for something to take home. Here, finally, are two glorious collections of some of Mark's poetry, some familiar and beloved, some new and refreshing. They are a string of pearls, a daisy chain of gifts, blessings and treats for the heart. -- Wayne Muller

To purchase the poetry books - go to order form.

Mark Nepo's biography

Books by Mark Nepo

The Rhythm of Each

I think each comfort we manage-
each holding in the night, each opening
of a wound, each closing of a wound, each
pulling of a splinter or razored word, each
fever sponged, each dear thing given
to someone in greater need-each
passes on the kindness we've known.

For the human sea is made of waves
that mount and merge till the way a
nurse rocks a child is the way that child
all grown rocks the wounded, and how
the wounded, allowed to go on, rock
strangers who in their pain
don't seem so strange.

Eventually, the rhythm of kindness
is how we pray and suffer by turns,
and if someone were to watch us
from inside the lake of time, they
wouldn't be able to tell if we are
dying or being born.

At the Window

I was at the window
when a fly near the latch
was on its back spinning-
legs furious, going nowhere.

I thought to swat it
but something in its struggle
was too much my own.

It kept spinning and began to tire.
Without moving closer, I exhaled
steadily, my breath a sudden wind
and the fly found its legs,
rubbed its face
and flew away.

I continued to stare at the latch
hoping that someday, the breath
of something incomprehensible
would right me and
enable me to fly.

Mark Nepo's Biography

Mark Nepo is a poet and philosopher who has taught in the fields of poetry and spirituality for over thirty years. Nominated for the Lenore Marshall Poetry Prize, he has written several books; most recently, The Exquisite Risk (Harmony Books, NY, 2005) which Spirituality & Health Magazine has cited as “ one of the best books we've ever read on what it takes to live an authentic life." They selected The Exquisite Risk as one of the best spiritual books of 2005. Other titles include The Book of Awakening, Acre of Light (also available as an audiotape from Parabola under the title Inside the Miracle), Fire Without Witness, and God, the Maker of the Bed, and the Painter. He has also contributed to numerous anthologies. The Book of Awakening was also a finalist for the 2000 Books for a Better Life Award, and was cited by Spirituality and Health Magazine as one of the Best Spiritual Books of 2000. Mark is also the editor of Deepening the American Dream: Reflections on the Inner Life and Spirit of Democracy, a collection of essays from Jossey-Bass (Fall 2005). His most recent books of poetry are Suite for the Living (2004) and Inhabiting Wonder (2004). These poetry books and a CD of Mark’s poetry, Finding Our Way in the World (2005), are available from Bread for the Journey (order here). As well, Unlearning Back to God, a collection of Mark’s published essays from 1985-2005, is forthcoming from Khaniqahi Nimatullahi Publications ( London/ New York, Fall 2005).

As a cancer survivor, Mark remains committed to the usefulness of daily inner life. Through both his writing and teaching, he devotes himself to the life of inner transformation and relationship, exploring the expressive journey of healing where the paths of art and spirit meet. For 18 years, Mark taught at the State University of New York at Albany. He now serves as a Program Officer for the Fetzer Institute in Kalamazoo, Michigan, a non-profit foundation devoted to fostering awareness of the power of love and forgiveness in the emerging global community. He continues to give readings, lectures, and retreats.