My last conversation with today’s guest has turned out to be one of the most listened to and loved podcasts I’ve EVER recorded.  My beloved spiritual teacher and most favorite author, Mark Nepo, is back on the podcast today sharing in all of his infinite wisdom about what it means to be human, how to find the courage to remove our veils, what it means to be original and how we all can choose to drink from the river of light.  Mark Nepo moved and inspired readers and seekers all over the world with his #1 New York Times bestseller The Book of Awakening. Beloved as a poet, teacher, and storyteller, Mark has been called “one of the finest spiritual guides of our time,” “a consummate storyteller,” and “an eloquent spiritual teacher.” His work is widely accessible and used by many and his books have been translated into more than twenty languages. A bestselling author, he has published twenty books and recorded fourteen audio projects. In 2015, he was given a Life-Achievement Award by AgeNation. And in 2016, he was named by Watkins: Mind Body Spirit as one of the 100 Most Spiritually Influential Living People, and was also chosen as one of OWN’s SuperSoul 100, a group of inspired leaders using their gifts and voices to elevate humanity. In 2017 Mark became a regular columnist for Spirituality & Health Magazine. Mark is the author of twenty books, his most recent is More Together Than Alone: Discovering the Power and Spirit of Community in Our Lives and in the World, published by Atria Books in July 2018. His newest book, Drinking From the River of Light dropped on September 3rd- so be sure to check the links down below and claim your own copy. This is one of his most powerful reads to date.  In This Episode You’ll Learn:  Today’s guest, Mark Nepo [ :45 ]   The importance of deep listening [ 10:13 ] What inspired Mark’s new (21st!) book, Drinking From the River of Light [ 11:16 ] Making art a livelihood [ 17:54 ] Where the title of Mark’s new book came from [ 26:56 ] Finding the courage to remove our veils [ 30:28 ] Why it’s important to be ourselves, even on social media [ 34:03 ] What it means to be original [ 44:33 ] How to navigate the depth of life after near-death [ 54:54 ] The difference between getting attention and giving attention [ 1:01:23 ] What Mark would say to the person who is getting caught up in trying to create and getting stuck [ 1:07:13 ] How Mark’s way of being has made him feel closer to and further away from others [ 1:09:56 ] Mark’s upcoming live + in-person courses [ 1:16:08 ] Soul Shifting Quotes:  “Stories often carry more meaning than we can digest in one telling.”  “Surviving is what we do in the surface world of circumstance. But if all we ever do is survive without thriving, what’s the point?”  “Our soul’s awakening is our career. Where that happens, is our occupation.”  “We do have to make a living. But it only matters if we live a making.”  “Anything that you put your whole heart into can become an art.”  “If we don’t meet existence with an inner life, existence will crush us.” “Indecision, like fear, is something to move through- not to obey.”  “Everything reveals itself in the moment.”  “If we stop giving attention, then getting attention will define our identity.”  “Any detail is a doorway to the infinite.”  “We discover, we don’t invent. We relate more than we author.”  Links Mentioned:  Purchase Mark’s new book, Drinking from the River of Light today! Learn all about Mark’s upcoming workshops and live events here Listen to my last conversation with Mark Check out Mark’s yearlong courses here  Learn my 7 Secrets to Uplevel Your Brand & Land Your Dream Clients  Grab your FREE training, How to Call in Your Tribe + Create Content that Converts Save your seat at Accelerate LIVE!  Learn more about Mark at his website: www.marknepo.com Tag me in your big shifts + takeaways: @amberlilyestrom  Did you hear something you loved today?! L