As Far As The Heart Can See: Stories to Illuminate the Soul

by Mark Nepo, Mark Nepo (Read by)

Overview

The latest spiritual awareness guide from Mark Nepo, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Awakening.

New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Awakening Mark Nepo offers a storyguide book for those who seek a deeper experience of life.

Stories carry the seeds of our humanity. They help us, teach us, heal us, and connect us to what matters. By stimulating change through reflection of thoughts and feelings by means of stories, poet and philosopher Mark Nepo offers listeners an invitation to be in relationship with deep and life-giving material. This collection of forty-five stories, questions for discussion, and jounaling prompts brings a fresh and new perspective to the field of spirituality. Drawn from Nepo’s personal history, dreams, and the myths of our ancestors, each one is an invitation to awaken an aspect of living in relationship with the sacred.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781442344891
Publisher:	Simon & Schuster Audio
Publication date:	09/06/2011
Edition description:	Unabridged
Product dimensions:	5.20(w) x 5.70(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

Mark Nepo is a poet, philosopher, and spiritual adviser who has taught in the fields of poetry and spirituality for more than 30 years. He is the author of 12 books, including the New York Times bestseller, The Book of Awakening. He lives in Brooklyn, New York.

Mark Nepo is a poet, philosopher, and spiritual adviser who has taught in the fields of poetry and spirituality for more than 30 years. He is the author of 12 books, including the New York Times bestseller, The Book of Awakening. He lives in Brooklyn, New York.

Read an Excerpt

The Tea Master and the Warrior

Rikiu was watching the cherry blossoms scatter on his path when he heard Taiko unstrapping his sword at the gate, and Rikiu wished the blossoms would cover his friend's sword while they tarried inside.

Without his sword Taiko looked like a huge child allowed to cry too long. Rikiu met him at the portico and even Taiko felt foolish, looking so stern, his bare feet stepping on blossoms.

As they walked the length of his garden, Rikiu wondered why they continued to meet, but knew that bugs suck at the heart of flowers and flowers love it so. The lanterns swayed, and Taiko unbuckled his suspicions on the path, and Rikiu watched them sink beneath the stones.

At the small door of Rikiu's tea room, there was a scent whose first blush could unravel selfish thoughts; a sweet bark-like scent, which could strip one steeped in calculation to a cricket hungry for a song.

Taiko knelt to shimmy through. Rikiu followed.

Inside, the walls appeared translucent and the wind through the trees shadowed them both and Taiko knew briefly that nothing was secret. The kettle began to sing, and the steam enveloped Taiko and softened his heart, and Rikiu, as he knew he would, recognized the friend he loved. In the steam, Taiko wondered yet again why he had to feel this good, if it couldn't last.

The kettle sang first like a woman dreaming of a thousand birds, then like a man swallowing his troubles, and finally like the screech of a soul fed up with earthly things. It was this final boil that Taiko longed for as Rikiu worked the leaves in the fire till they gave up their tiny stubbornness.

By the time the bowl was filled, Taiko was awash in the mood of Rikiu. Their eyes were brothered now. The steam and incense made them both deliberate as fish along the bottom. As they drank, it seemed impossible but their thoughts were close to pink.

And with Taiko's face aglow, Rikiu, his insides warming, fell to his old desire, and said for the hundredth time, 'You must give it up and stay with me.'

And Taiko, for the hundredth time, showed nothing. He waited, so as not to offend his strange brother, but finally, he placed the bowl to his left as he would the skull of an impotent god and bowed supremely.

As he left the steam, Taiko's heart began to harden, and, once he shimmied out the tea room, the cricket went unheard. As he passed the lanterns swaying for him to stay, he buckled up his cold suspicions. And Rikiu, still warm inside, tried not to be sad as Taiko at the portico swept the blossoms from his sword and strapped it to him like another leg.

JOURNAL QUESTIONS

• Consider the meeting between Rikiu and Taiko as a conversation between aspects of a single self. If the tea master, then, is our inner self that finds meaning in being alive and the warrior is our outer self that finds meaning in staying alive, describe your tea master and your warrior, and imagine the ongoing conversation they are having within you now.

TABLE QUESTIONS

To be asked over dinner or coffee with friends and loved ones. Try listening to everyone's response before discussing:

• Describe which voice is stronger in you right now, your tea master or your warrior.

• Tell the story of a defining experience that is foundational to the tea master in you.

• Tell the story of a defining experience that is foundational to the warrior in you.

• Describe your tea room and describe your sword.

A MEDITATION

• Boil some water for tea and listen carefully as the water sings its different voices. Note which voice of the tea you are most drawn to.

• As the tea steeps and cools enough to drink:

• Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and let the tea master in you drink. Note what that feels like.

• Close your eyes, take another deep breath, and let the warrior in you drink. Note what that feels like.

• As you move through your day, let your tea master and warrior talk to each other. Note where that conversation lives in you.

©2011. MARK NEPO. All rights reserved. Reprinted from As Far As the Heart Can See. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the written permission of the publisher. Publisher: Health Communications, Inc., 3201 SW 15th Street, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

What People are Saying About This

Elizabeth Lesser

"What happens when a poet writes a book of stories about how to live, how to love, how to heal and grow and find our distinct purpose? Here's what happened for me when I read Mark Nepo's As Far As the Heart Can See: Each word became a stepping stone on a path through the woods. And not only that: a host of helpers, teachers, cheerleaders, and friends popped off the pages of this charming and wise book to lead me out of the stuck places and into freedom."

—Elizabeth Lesser, cofounder of Omega Institute and author of Broken Open: How Difficult Times Can Help Us Grow

— Elizabeth Lesser,

Gayatri Naraine

"Part poetry, part spiritual narrative, As Far as the Heart Can See offers us a grounded experience of life seen through a spiritual lens. Mark Nepo invites us into a sheesh mahal--a palace of mirrors--where the soul sits on its immortal throne, sparkling like the Kohinoor diamond. Each narrative touches a unique facet of life and draws the reader into reflection--oh soul, look into the mirror of your heart and see with love. See the whole being, the visible and the invisible; the image and the reality; the shadow and the light. This precious book places truth in the core of the heart and shows how pure feelings set it free."

—Gayatri Naraine, author of Something Beyond Greatness

James Baraz

"As Far As the Heart Can See is filled with stories and guided reflections that not only make us think about life but feel more connected to it. This book can help you access your inner wisdom and caring heart."

—James Baraz, coauthor of Awakening Joy: 10 Steps That Will Put You on the Road to Real Happiness and cofounder of Spirit Rock Meditation Center.

Rachel Naomi Remen

"This book is like a door that opens only one way. When you open it, you become more than you were, and there is no going back. These stories will free you to move closer to your own dream of yourself and live more authentically, more joyfully, and more passionately than before. More than just a book, As Far As the Heart Can See is an exquisitely written invitation to live your real life."

—Rachel Naomi Remen, M.D., author of Kitchen Table Wisdom and My Grandfather's Blessings

Phil Cousineau

"As Far as the Heart Can See is a tonic for the spirit, a series of revelations by way of a series of far-ranging stories as told by Mark Nepo, as only he can tell them: heartfully, honestly, and humbly. Read this book and see how much farther you can see."

—Phil Cousineau, author of The Art of Pilgrimage and The Oldest Story in the World

Editorial Reviews

Poet, philosopher, bestselling author (The Book of Awakening), and master of metaphor, Nepo has assembled a collection of soulful stories about “staying awake and staying close to what is sacred” that go straight to the heart. Each vignette relates a deep musing, dream, or abiding parable that speaks directly to living a life of presence by “return us to the hidden wholeness in which all things are connected.” Readers are invited to enter into the “marrow of story” by working with “journal questions” for reflection, “table questions ” for discussion, and meditation, all offered at the conclusion of each chapter, each one a musing that further unearths the complex interiority of being alive. Nepo is a consummate storyteller with a rare gift for making the invisible visible: his poetic conceits “loosen habits of understanding,” allowing what is meaningful in life to come newly forth. (Sept.)

Publishers Weekly

Tuesday September 20, 2011

As Far as the Heart Can See
By Mark Nepo

Review: Like most talented authors who finally hit the mainstream with a bestselling book, Mark Nepo (who has been writing for decades) is now finally "on the map" after writing the blockbuster hit, The Book of Awakening. It opened my eyes to his extraordinary gifts as a writer and storyteller, and I was eager to read his latest book, As Far as the Heart Can See.

Nepo uses a similar format to his last book–but rather than short entries for each day of the year, this book is comprised of short (spiritual) stories. What differentiates the book from the many short story collections out there is the time and thought he has given to how readers can use each story to inspire deeper insight and awareness.

Each story ends with a series of Journal Questions, Table Questions and A Meditation. In my reading of the book, I used the Meditations when I was reading alone and the Table Questions when I was with one or two friends.

The stories themselves are an interesting collection of new and re-told stories that read like fables. They are short, dense and rich with meaning. With fall coming, the book seems like a good one to have in the house for the long winter nights when you want to do something more than watch a DVD or read a fictional novel.

Recommended for: This book will be a wonderful gift for families looking for ways to enliven the dinner table discussion or for couples or groups who want to explore spiritual topics through conversation.

Read more: http://blog.beliefnet.com/aliteraryspirit/2011/09/new-release-as-far-as-the-heart-can-see-by-mark-nepo.html#ixzz1ag2CEGO9

—Posted by Taz Tagore

Beliefnet.com - Taz Tagore

From Booklist

Advanced Review – Uncorrected Proof
Issue: July 1, 2011

As Far as the Heart Can See: Stories to Illuminate the Soul.

Nepo, Mark (Author)
Sep 2011. 246 p. Health Communications, paperback, $15.95. (9780757315718). 204.

Much like his previous work, The Book of Awakening (2000), poet and teacher Nepo takes another turn at helping readers practice the art of being mindful, or, in his words, being present. But rather than give readers another daybook with pithy instructions on mindfulness and compassion, Nepo instead turns to storytelling to provide a framework for internal investigation. There are more than 40 stories, each presented with its own set of journal questions, table questions (to inspire conversation), and meditation points, and readers can choose to work straight through or pick and choose stories based on specific areas of interest. To that end, Nepo has grouped the stories into four sections:'Living on the Spiritual Path,' 'Handling Life's Obstacles,' 'Dealing with Suffering,' and 'Dealing with Personal Growth.' The stories are short and accessible, and Nepo's work as a poet shines through in his writing. Those who prefer their spiritual examinations to be soothing as well as thought provoking will be right at home with this volume.

— Taina Lagodzinski

Booklist - Taina Lagodzinski

"Mark Nepo is a poet, philosopher, New York Times bestseller (The Book of Awakening), and master of metaphor. In this book he has assembled a collection of soulful stories about 'staying awake and staying close to what is sacred' that go straight to the heart. Drawing from his musings, dreams, or an abiding wisdom tale, he draws readers into the 'marrow of the story' with a rare gift for making the invisible visible. Questions and a meditation conclude each vignette, deepening mindful reflections into the complex interiority of being alive that each story has already loosened. Poignant and poetic, As Far as the Heart Can See illuminates the soul so that we can find our find home. Highly recommended."

—Julie Clayton

New Consciousness Review - Julie Clayton

"Through his musings, essays and poems he shares his very personal journey with us. He shares his love for life's inherent sacredness and his wiliness to peal away all the scales that we unknowingly cover ourselves with. In doing so he inspires us to do the same, to open to that same sacredness and to explore deeply our experience of how that sacredness manifests in our life. In reading his work one immediately feels the power of our connected humanity. His journey, while uniquely his, parallels our own. His words enliven the beauty within ourselves that he has touched within himself. His ability to dwell deeply with open questions, ones that have the power to take us out of our egoic thinking and into a deeper experience of ourselves, is profound. That coupled with his talent of articulating his inner journey in such tender, concise, and non-pretentious language makes Mark Nepo one of the more influential spiritual narrative writers of our time. . . . As Far As the Heart Can See, as like all of Mark's writings, is a treasure that will open many gifts within the reader. It has the power to lead us to the nobility of our own spirit and our own heart. A worthy journey indeed."

—David A. Cronin

David A. Cronin

Tuesday September 20, 2011

As Far as the Heart Can See
By Mark Nepo

Review: Like most talented authors who finally hit the mainstream with a bestselling book, Mark Nepo (who has been writing for decades) is now finally "on the map" after writing the blockbuster hit, The Book of Awakening. It opened my eyes to his extraordinary gifts as a writer and storyteller, and I was eager to read his latest book, As Far as the Heart Can See.

Nepo uses a similar format to his last book–but rather than short entries for each day of the year, this book is comprised of short (spiritual) stories. What differentiates the book from the many short story collections out there is the time and thought he has given to how readers can use each story to inspire deeper insight and awareness.

Each story ends with a series of Journal Questions, Table Questions and A Meditation. In my reading of the book, I used the Meditations when I was reading alone and the Table Questions when I was with one or two friends.

The stories themselves are an interesting collection of new and re-told stories that read like fables. They are short, dense and rich with meaning. With fall coming, the book seems like a good one to have in the house for the long winter nights when you want to do something more than watch a DVD or read a fictional novel.

Recommended for: This book will be a wonderful gift for families looking for ways to enliven the dinner table discussion or for couples or groups who want to explore spiritual topics through conversation.

Read more: http://blog.beliefnet.com/aliteraryspirit/2011/09/new-release-as-far-as-the-heart-can-see-by-mark-nepo.html#ixzz1ag2CEGO9

--Posted by Taz Tagore

— Taz Tagore

Beliefnet Editors

"Mark Nepo is a poet, philosopher, New York Times bestseller (The Book of Awakening), and master of metaphor. In this book he has assembled a collection of soulful stories about 'staying awake and staying close to what is sacred' that go straight to the heart. Drawing from his musings, dreams, or an abiding wisdom tale, he draws readers into the 'marrow of the story' with a rare gift for making the invisible visible. Questions and a meditation conclude each vignette, deepening mindful reflections into the complex interiority of being alive that each story has already loosened. Poignant and poetic, As Far as the Heart Can See illuminates the soul so that we can find our find home. Highly recommended."

--Julie Clayton

— Julie Clayton

New Consciousness Review

The Martin Buber quote at the beginning of this book sets the stage for what's to follow. Best-selling author Nepo is telling stories that are meant to trigger insight. They are stories in the tradition of Kabalah; they are parables. They are emotionally charged to provoke discussion (and/or inner dialogue) and propel the reader down the path of self-discovery. For those who are reluctant to take the stories into their own hands, Nepo offers suggestions for exploration at the end of each of the forty-five tales. The stories themselves are brief, perfectly tailored to modern readers' stressful, multi-tasking lives. Nepo's tone is intelligently lyrical, with the rich conciseness of Haiku. This will make a great, feel-good gift item. Consider pairing it with journals and with books of modern poetry, ethnic folk tales, and easily-readable versions of ancient myths. You might want to gather feedback by asking customers to tell you which of the stories was their favorite.

(reviewed by Anna Jedrziewski)

New Age Retailer

From Booklist

Advanced Review – Uncorrected Proof Issue: July 1, 2011

As Far as the Heart Can See: Stories to Illuminate the Soul.

Nepo, Mark (Author)
Sep 2011. 246 p. Health Communications, paperback, $15.95. (9780757315718). 204.

Much like his previous work, The Book of Awakening (2000), poet and teacher Nepo takes another turn at helping readers practice the art of being mindful, or, in his words, being present. But rather than give readers another daybook with pithy instructions on mindfulness and compassion, Nepo instead turns to storytelling to provide a framework for internal investigation. There are more than 40 stories, each presented with its own set of journal questions, table questions (to inspire conversation), and meditation points, and readers can choose to work straight through or pick and choose stories based on specific areas of interest. To that end, Nepo has grouped the stories into four sections:'Living on the Spiritual Path,' 'Handling Life's Obstacles,' 'Dealing with Suffering,' and 'Dealing with Personal Growth.' The stories are short and accessible, and Nepo's work as a poet shines through in his writing. Those who prefer their spiritual examinations to be soothing as well as thought provoking will be right at home with this volume.

— Taina Lagodzinski

— Taina Lagodzinski

Booklist

"Mark Nepo is a poet, philosopher, New York Times bestseller (The Book of Awakening), and master of metaphor. In this book he has assembled a collection of soulful stories about 'staying awake and staying close to what is sacred' that go straight to the heart. Drawing from his musings, dreams, or an abiding wisdom tale, he draws readers into the 'marrow of the story' with a rare gift for making the invisible visible. Questions and a meditation conclude each vignette, deepening mindful reflections into the complex interiority of being alive that each story has already loosened. Poignant and poetic, As Far as the Heart Can See illuminates the soul so that we can find our find home. Highly recommended."—Julie Clayton

Tuesday September 20, 2011 As Far as the Heart Can See Mark Nepo Review: Like most talented authors who finally hit the mainstream with a bestselling book, Mark Nepo (who has been writing for decades) is now finally "on the map" after writing the blockbuster hit, The Book of Awakening. It opened my eyes to his extraordinary gifts as a writer and storyteller, and I was eager to read his latest book, As Far as the Heart Can See. Nepo uses a similar format to his last book–but rather than short entries for each day of the year, this book is comprised of short (spiritual) stories. What differentiates the book from the many short story collections out there is the time and thought he has given to how readers can use each story to inspire deeper insight and awareness. Each story ends with a series of Journal Questions, Table Questions and A Meditation. In my reading of the book, I used the Meditations when I was reading alone and the Table Questions when I was with one or two friends. The stories themselves are an interesting collection of new and re-told stories that read like fables. They are short, dense and rich with meaning. With fall coming, the book seems like a good one to have in the house for the long winter nights when you want to do something more than watch a DVD or read a fictional novel. Recommended for: This book will be a wonderful gift for families looking for ways to enliven the dinner table discussion or for couples or groups who want to explore spiritual topics through conversation.Read more: http://blog.beliefnet.com/aliteraryspirit/2011/09/new-release-as-far-as-the-heart-can-see-by-mark-nepo.html#ixzz1ag2CEGO9—Posted by Taz Tagore

As Far As the Heart Can See: Stories to Illuminate the Soul Mark Nepo. HCI, $15.95 trade paper (264p) ISBN 978-0-7573-1571-8. Poet, philosopher, bestselling author (The Book of Awakening), and master of metaphor, Nepo has assembled a collection of soulful stories about 'staying awake and staying close to what is sacred' that go straight to the heart. Each vignette relates a deep musing, dream, or abiding parable that speaks directly to living a life of presence by 'return[ing] us to the hidden wholeness in which all things are connected.' Readers are invited to enter into the 'marrow of story' by working with 'journal questions' for reflection, 'table questions ' for discussion, and meditation, all offered at the conclusion of each chapter, each one a musing that further unearths the complex interiority of being alive. Nepo is a consummate storyteller with a rare gift for making the invisible visible: his poetic conceits 'loosen habits of understanding,' allowing what is meaningful in life to come newly forth. (Sept.) Reviewed on: 08/05/2011 /www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-7573-1571-8".

From Booklist Advanced Review – Uncorrected ProofIssue: July 1, 2011 As Far as the Heart Can See: Stories to Illuminate the Soul. Nepo, Mark (Author)Sep 2011. 246 p. Health Communications, paperback, $15.95. (9780757315718). 204. Much like his previous work, The Book of Awakening (2000), poet and teacher Nepo takes another turn at helping readers practice the art of being mindful, or, in his words, being present. But rather than give readers another daybook with pithy instructions on mindfulness and compassion, Nepo instead turns to storytelling to provide a framework for internal investigation. There are more than 40 stories, each presented with its own set of journal questions, table questions (to inspire conversation), and meditation points, and readers can choose to work straight through or pick and choose stories based on specific areas of interest. To that end, Nepo has grouped the stories into four sections:'Living on the Spiritual Path,' 'Handling Life's Obstacles,' 'Dealing with Suffering,' and 'Dealing with Personal Growth.' The stories are short and accessible, and Nepo's work as a poet shines through in his writing. Those who prefer their spiritual examinations to be soothing as well as thought provoking will be right at home with this volume. — Taina Lagodzinski

Mark Nepo appeared on a different list recently—the bestsellers list—thanks to, who else, Oprah Winfrey, who liked an earlier book (The Book of Awakening) by the poet-philosopher. As Far as the Heart Can See: Stories to Illuminate the Soul is Nepo's newest, and the author, a cancer survivor who has been teaching and writing for decades, has always had fans.— Publishers Weekly

The Martin Buber quote at the beginning of this book sets the stage for what's to follow. Best-selling author Nepo is telling stories that are meant to trigger insight. They are stories in the tradition of Kabalah; they are parables. They are emotionally charged to provoke discussion (and/or inner dialogue) and propel the reader down the path of self-discovery. For those who are reluctant to take the stories into their own hands, Nepo offers suggestions for exploration at the end of each of the forty-five tales. The stories themselves are brief, perfectly tailored to modern readers' stressful, multi-tasking lives. Nepo's tone is intelligently lyrical, with the rich conciseness of Haiku. This will make a great, feel-good gift item. Consider pairing it with journals and with books of modern poetry, ethnic folk tales, and easily-readable versions of ancient myths. You might want to gather feedback by asking customers to tell you which of the stories was their favorite. (reviewed by Anna Jedrziewski)

Through his musings, essays and poems he shares his very personal journey with us. He shares his love for life's inherent sacredness and his wiliness to peal away all the scales that we unknowingly cover ourselves with. In doing so he inspires us to do the same, to open to that same sacredness and to explore deeply our experience of how that sacredness manifests in our life. In reading his work one immediately feels the power of our connected humanity. His journey, while uniquely his, parallels our own. His words enliven the beauty within ourselves that he has touched within himself. His ability to dwell deeply with open questions, ones that have the power to take us out of our egoic thinking and into a deeper experience of ourselves, is profound. That coupled with his talent of articulating his inner journey in such tender, concise, and non-pretentious language makes Mark Nepo one of the more influential spiritual narrative writers of our time. . . . As Far As the Heart Can See, as like all of Mark's writings, is a treasure that will open many gifts within the reader. It has the power to lead us to the nobility of our own spirit and our own heart. A worthy journey indeed.—David A. Cronin

From the Publisher