Things That Join the Sea and the Sky: Field Notes on Living

Description

A Reader for Navigating the Depths of Our Lives "When we can open our hearts and work with what we're given, loving what's before us, life stays possible. Then, through effort and grace, we do what we can with what we have. And when exhausted by all that's in the way, we're faced with the chance to accept and love what's left, which is everything. This is how we discover that Heaven is on Earth." --Mark Nepo The Universe holds us and tosses us about, only to hold us again. With Things That Join the Sea and the Sky , Mark Nepo brings us a compelling treasury of short prose reflections to turn to when struggling to keep our heads above water--and help us breathe into all of our sorrows and joys. Inspired by his own journal writing across 15 years, the book shares with us some of Mark's most personal work. Many passages arise from accounts of his own life events--moments of "sinking and being lifted"--and the insights they yielded. Through these passages, we're encouraged to navigate our own currents of sea and sky, and to discover something fundamental yet elusive: how, simply, to be here. To be enjoyed in many ways--individually, by topic, or as an unfolding sequence-- Things That Join the Sea and the Sky presents 145 contemplations gathered into 17 themes, each intended to illuminate specific situations. The themes include Unraveling Our Fear, Beyond What Goes Wrong, The Gift of Deepening, The Practice of Relationship, What Holds Us Up, Right-Sizing Our Pain, The Reach of Kindness, Burning Off What's Unnecessary, How We Make Our Way, and many more. For those interested in either beginning or expanding their own journaling explorations, this reader also provides a guide to the practice of daily writing, with 100 compelling questions to get you started. "Joy is the sea that holds all," writes Mark, "the Unity of Being where feelings don't separate, but surface like waves to remind us we are alive." Here, he helps us swim in those waters until we are held in the mystery of their buoyancy. Review: Read it in the morning and it will set the tone for your day. - I've discovered Mark Nepo's work through Oprah Winfrey's recommendations. I've read this book by bits, a couple of stories with my breakfast as a morning routine and I absolutely loved it. Mark Nepo's words are deep and profound. The stories are so touching and inspiring, plus it gives you tips on how to journal. I felt so inspired by this book that I had to buy another copy for my bestie. It really made me wanna read more of his books, which shall I read next ? Review: Very powerful book - Truly wonderful