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. Of special note is The Exquisite Risk (Harmony Books, NY, 2005) which Spirituality & Health Magazine cited 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.” 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. His work appears in numerous anthologies. The Book of Awakening was 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. As well, Unlearning Back to God, a collection of Mark’s published essays from 1985-2005, is available from Khaniqahi Nimatullahi Publications (London/New York, February 2006). A new book of poetry and prose, Surviving Has Made Me Crazy, is due out from CavanKerry Press (February, 2007). And a new book of spiritual non-fiction, Facing the Lion, Being the Lion: Inner Courage and Where It Lives is due out from Red Wheel/Weiser/Conari (October, 2007). His work has been translated into French, Portuguese, Japanese, and Danish.

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.