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

by Mark Nepo

Stories carry the seeds of our humanness. They help us, teach us, heal us, and connect us to what matters. As Far As the Heart Can See is an invitation to be in relationship with deep and life-giving material. Poet and philosopher Mark Nepo reaches people through their hearts, bringing something fresh and new to the field by stimulating change through reflection of thoughts and feelings. The stories he shares in As Far As the Heart Can See come from many places--from Nepo's personal history to dreams to the myths of our ancestors. Each one is an invitation to awaken an aspect of living in relationship with the sacred.
Following each of the forty-five stories are three forms of an invitation to further the journal questions, table questions, and meditations. The questions, whether reflected upon in a journal or discussed in deeper conversation with friends or family, are meant to lead the seeker down unimagined paths and back into life; the meditations are meant to ground the learning. These stories and parables about universal concepts and themes offer a poet's sensuality and a philosopher's sensibility to personalizing the journey of the human experience in the world.

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction

264 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2011

About the author

Mark Nepo is a poet and spiritual teacher whose work explores inner transformation and the courage to stay open to life. Known for the bestselling The Book of Awakening, he has written more than twenty books and created numerous audio projects that invite readers to reflect, heal, and deepen their relationships. A cancer survivor, he often describes his illness as a turning point that shaped his understanding of presence and vulnerability. After many years teaching literature and poetry, he devoted himself to writing and guiding others through workshops and retreats. His reflections have been featured widely, including on Oprah Winfrey’s Super Soul Sunday, and he continues to write about living with authenticity and attention.

Reviews

[Sylvie M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Filled with heartsongs in the form of parables like treasurs found in a nature walk. I so wish I had a fried as wise and poetic as Mark Nepo. But I do, I can lose myself in the pages of his writings.

[carmoucm · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the concept of a reading and thought provoking questions but I just couldn't find a rhythm for reading the short stories and parables. It felt a bit like I kept walking in to a reading that had already started.

[HoneyBakedAmbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short stories and journal prompts. I may be biased (I surely am) but you can’t go wrong with Nepo.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thought-provoking short and very short essays/stories, with questions and meditation suggestions following each one.

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great example of the power of story and how it helps us to consider our lives in a new light. I'd recommend it to anyone looking to delve deeper through narrative, or who wants a way to open discussion with others in a non-confrontational manner. Use it for your own explorations in your journal, or with others -- the questions for both can be used interchangeably and offer lots of inspiration for thought.

Full Review

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thought-provoking stories.

[Viktor Nilsson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some very thought-provoking stories, however, I find some of them to cryptic to relate to. Also too many questions, exercises and meditations... Better to let the stories speak for themselves.