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. Recent titles include Facing the Lion, Being the Lion: Finding Inner Courage Where It Lives, available from Red Wheel-Conari (2007), and Surviving Has Made Me Crazy, a book of poetry and prose available from CavanKerry Press (2007).

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.” 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.

His books of poetry include 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. 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 (2005). 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, 2006). Other titles include 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 has been translated into French, Portuguese, Japanese, and Danish.

As a cancer survivor, Mark is committed to the usefulness of daily inner life. Through both his writing and teaching, he remains devoted to the life of inner transformation and relationship. 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.