What do you think?
Rate this book
Reduced to Joy
Mark Nepo is emerging as one of the truly significant writers and thinkers of today. Nepo has a singular way of distilling great truths down to their essence. Moreover, during his cancer journey, Nepo relied on the power of expression and the writing process to keep him tethered to life. In Reduced to Joy, Mark Nepo explores the places where pain and joy are stitched to resilience, uncovering them with deep wisdom, poetic passages and personal revelations. Nepo reminds us all of the secret and sacred places within, forgotten in the noise and chatter of our busy distracted 21st Century lives. Reduced to Joy is a lesson in stillness, in standing in the mystery and, above all, in the work of love.
208 pages, Paperback
First published August 13, 2013
79 people are currently reading
848 people want to read
About the author
Mark Nepo
49 books613 followersMark 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
June 13, 2015
This is the second book I have read by Mark Nepo. I love the way he writes.
A poem from this book that I loved
THE THING ABOUT FEAR
We try to avoid it, distract ourselves,
even put others in the way. Because it
makes what is necessary seem monumental.
It makes what is needed seen uncrossable.
Yet when we stumble over the line, or are
loved over the line, or, in our exhaustion,
fall beyond our pain, what we feared
was a fall to our death turns out
to have been the next step.
A poem from this book that I loved
THE THING ABOUT FEAR
We try to avoid it, distract ourselves,
even put others in the way. Because it
makes what is necessary seem monumental.
It makes what is needed seen uncrossable.
Yet when we stumble over the line, or are
loved over the line, or, in our exhaustion,
fall beyond our pain, what we feared
was a fall to our death turns out
to have been the next step.
May 24, 2020
Wow! What a great book of poems! I picked up a copy of this book at my local bookstore on a whim and I'm eternally grateful. This is definitely a book I'll be returning to again and again. One of my favorite poems is "One String" (pages 17-18):
I am so busy at times
trying to make it all
worthwhile, that I am
stunned at how easily the
whole of life speaks to me,
when music I've never heard
or a truth I've never understood
plucks the one string I carry
deep within.
I only want that string pluck-
ed and yet, it stays in place
only suffering or surrender
can open.
Still, violins in minor keys
make me swallow my fear
and herons flying into
the end of a long day
make me wish I'd led
a more peaceful life.
Nepo peers into deep mysteries and finds a way to put words to the inner stirrings of the heart and mind.
I am so busy at times
trying to make it all
worthwhile, that I am
stunned at how easily the
whole of life speaks to me,
when music I've never heard
or a truth I've never understood
plucks the one string I carry
deep within.
I only want that string pluck-
ed and yet, it stays in place
only suffering or surrender
can open.
Still, violins in minor keys
make me swallow my fear
and herons flying into
the end of a long day
make me wish I'd led
a more peaceful life.
Nepo peers into deep mysteries and finds a way to put words to the inner stirrings of the heart and mind.
September 10, 2016
This is the first poetry book I've ever finished and I must say I enjoyed it! I'm not really a fair judge of books like these, being that I don't have much experience reading them, but I would say this is a great collection to begin with if you are trying to get into poetry.
June 17, 2025
Mark Nepo is a decent poet with a knack for recollecting a memory, often with a touch of Buddhism.
Like most published contemporary poets, however, his discipline in the art form is cliché driven with heavy use of eyeballed enjambment and inconsistent stanzas.
His poems, abstract in their design, are well articulated and emotive. It's just that this style of free form and quasi- prose poetry has been done by everyone else in the book market.
Nepo is a good poet, and this book is calming in the spirituality it presents.
But it also makes me yearn for the classical poets, the metaphysical mysteries of obfuscated metaphors, and perhaps even the unspoken.
I'm tired of what is considered quality poetry in the contemporary era. Bring back discipline and control of structure.
Like most published contemporary poets, however, his discipline in the art form is cliché driven with heavy use of eyeballed enjambment and inconsistent stanzas.
His poems, abstract in their design, are well articulated and emotive. It's just that this style of free form and quasi- prose poetry has been done by everyone else in the book market.
Nepo is a good poet, and this book is calming in the spirituality it presents.
But it also makes me yearn for the classical poets, the metaphysical mysteries of obfuscated metaphors, and perhaps even the unspoken.
I'm tired of what is considered quality poetry in the contemporary era. Bring back discipline and control of structure.
December 1, 2019
This book is a collection of 73 poems, and I'm disappointed to report that only a handful spoke to me. I was hoping and expecting them to be introspective. Perhaps, they were just too vague and flowery for my tastes. I usually find poetry to be relaxing and almost meditative to read. Honestly, these poems were structured in a haphazard way that made them difficult to recite in my mind or out loud, which took some focus away from the actual words, for me.
Little things, like having to turn to the next page to read just a couple remaining lines of a poem, ruined much of this book. If it is ever reissued, I hope the publisher re-examines their formatting choices.
Little things, like having to turn to the next page to read just a couple remaining lines of a poem, ruined much of this book. If it is ever reissued, I hope the publisher re-examines their formatting choices.
August 6, 2025
As someone who regularly writes and appreciates poetry, I can confidently say this is one of my favorite 2 poetry books ever, (The other is You'd Better Be Lightning by Andrea Gibson). Nice variety, I enjoyed every single poem, and was moved enough to think a bit. This also inspired some of my own poetry.
April 5, 2018
Favourite quote:
"This is what we long for: to cry out with our little thunder to the big thunder. To ask in our small way: how to love the storm without getting struck." ~Mark Nepo, "Reduced to Joy"
"This is what we long for: to cry out with our little thunder to the big thunder. To ask in our small way: how to love the storm without getting struck." ~Mark Nepo, "Reduced to Joy"
May 25, 2018
This is a collection of masterful poems that we can sink into, taking us away from the world, but also bringing us back with grace and joy. From the cover, to the layout, to the artful and lovely prose, I am affected by it all. Love it.
January 6, 2018
This collection of poems has vivid imagery that comes from a meditative state of mind. I loved it!
August 25, 2018
Lovely poetry
I would read these in the mornings with my coffee. A way to set the tone for the day. Peaceful and calm.
I would read these in the mornings with my coffee. A way to set the tone for the day. Peaceful and calm.
December 2, 2018
A tender soul, buy this book for the joy it brings.
July 30, 2019
I don't read much poetry, so no expert!
Some of the poems were pretty special and really spoke to me, others not so much
Some of the poems were pretty special and really spoke to me, others not so much
March 1, 2020
Takes you on some splendid journeys
Mark Nepo's poems take you on some splendid journeys - some deep, some relaxing, some mournful but sweet. Highly recommended.
Mark Nepo's poems take you on some splendid journeys - some deep, some relaxing, some mournful but sweet. Highly recommended.
November 14, 2020
Mark Nepo sees the world in my ideal way, then brings it to life before me.
January 12, 2021
highly recommend - started me on my journey reading Mark Nepo
January 26, 2022
I have tried to see what others see in Mark Nepo's essays and poetry, but I don't. To me, his thinking is like baby blue paint. Lacks depth and distinction.
March 16, 2023
A book of wonderful poems.
June 29, 2023
Part of a summer reading challenge to read a poetry book. I enjoyed it, found it very personal to the author.
September 23, 2023
3.5 rounded up, for the handful of poems that were my favorites. My favorite of Nepo’s books is 7000 ways to listen.
February 10, 2025
Poems are nearly all in paragraph form. A few struck me as remarkable. Many felt of the same cloth and didn’t resonate with or inspire me—yet an enjoyable and easy poetic read overall.
August 14, 2015
The Yoga studio I go to reads a selection from Mark Nepo's The Book of Awakening: Having the Life You Want by Being Present to the Life You Have at the end of each Savasana. I thought I would sample some of his other works before purchasing a copy for myself. I enjoyed Nepo's style. Several of the poems spoke to me. I will read more of his works.
The poem that meant the most to me was the title poem, "Reduced to Joy". I loved the way the words paint a mind-picture for me, and also makes me think of the way my husband and I have blossomed, finding different, more personally satisfying "work" late in the second half of our lives after letting go of striving.
"Reduced to Joy"
I was sipping coffee on the way to work,
the back road under a canopy of maples
turning orange. In the dip of woods, a small
doe gently leaping. I pulled over, for there
was no where else to go. She paused as if
she knew I was watching. A few orange
leaves fell around her like blessings no
one can seem to find. I sipped some
coffee, completely at peace, knowing
it wouldn't last. But that's alright.
We never know when we will blossom
into what we're supposed to be. It might
be early. It might be late. It might be after
thirty years of failing at a misguided way.
Or the very first time we dare to shed
our mental skin and touch the world.
They say, if real enough, some see God
at the moment of their death. But isn't
every fall and letting go a death? Isn't God
waiting right now in the chill between the
small doe's hoof and those fallen leaves?
Another poem, "Coming Out" spoke to me because it reminded me of the yogic thought of being in the moment:
"Coming Out"
While there is much to do
we are not here to do.
Under the want to problem-solve
is the need to being-solve.
Often, with full being
the problem goes away.
The seed being-solves its
darkness by blossoming.
The heart being-solves its loneliness
by loving whatever it meets.
The tea being-solves the water
by becoming tea.
The poem that meant the most to me was the title poem, "Reduced to Joy". I loved the way the words paint a mind-picture for me, and also makes me think of the way my husband and I have blossomed, finding different, more personally satisfying "work" late in the second half of our lives after letting go of striving.
"Reduced to Joy"
I was sipping coffee on the way to work,
the back road under a canopy of maples
turning orange. In the dip of woods, a small
doe gently leaping. I pulled over, for there
was no where else to go. She paused as if
she knew I was watching. A few orange
leaves fell around her like blessings no
one can seem to find. I sipped some
coffee, completely at peace, knowing
it wouldn't last. But that's alright.
We never know when we will blossom
into what we're supposed to be. It might
be early. It might be late. It might be after
thirty years of failing at a misguided way.
Or the very first time we dare to shed
our mental skin and touch the world.
They say, if real enough, some see God
at the moment of their death. But isn't
every fall and letting go a death? Isn't God
waiting right now in the chill between the
small doe's hoof and those fallen leaves?
Another poem, "Coming Out" spoke to me because it reminded me of the yogic thought of being in the moment:
"Coming Out"
While there is much to do
we are not here to do.
Under the want to problem-solve
is the need to being-solve.
Often, with full being
the problem goes away.
The seed being-solves its
darkness by blossoming.
The heart being-solves its loneliness
by loving whatever it meets.
The tea being-solves the water
by becoming tea.
September 29, 2015
I really loved these poems. Some of them are life altering. I recommend this work highly. Here is a taste of what Mr. Nepo has to offer.
"And what if we’re meant to discover that caring for another is the summit?"
"If we stay luminous in the whirl of existence, who’s to say we can’t be stars for each other?"
Behind the Thunder
I keep looking for one more teacher,
only to find that fish learn from water
and birds learn from sky.
If you want to learn about the sea,
it helps to be at sea.
If you want to learn about compassion,
it helps to be in love.
If you want to learn about healing,
it helps to know of suffering.
The strong live in the storm
without worshipping the storm.
Early
I woke today with a sadness.
I don’t know why. Perhaps one
of the lost crossed the morning sun
like a crow, just long enough to cast
a small shadow on my heart.
Now I feel hungry.
Sometimes we eat not to feel
our sadness. And not just food.
We eat books with our eyes, the
past with our memories, and
uncertainty with our schemes.
Sometimes, we make maps
and eat them, all to avoid
the fact that we will always
run out of time.
People I have loved have gone
missing or turned away. Some
in their sadness tried to eat me.
And so, I had to leave.
Perhaps that’s it. Though,
we have to leave or be left,
the heart never leaves. And
standing in that shadow,
we feel sad.
"And what if we’re meant to discover that caring for another is the summit?"
"If we stay luminous in the whirl of existence, who’s to say we can’t be stars for each other?"
Behind the Thunder
I keep looking for one more teacher,
only to find that fish learn from water
and birds learn from sky.
If you want to learn about the sea,
it helps to be at sea.
If you want to learn about compassion,
it helps to be in love.
If you want to learn about healing,
it helps to know of suffering.
The strong live in the storm
without worshipping the storm.
Early
I woke today with a sadness.
I don’t know why. Perhaps one
of the lost crossed the morning sun
like a crow, just long enough to cast
a small shadow on my heart.
Now I feel hungry.
Sometimes we eat not to feel
our sadness. And not just food.
We eat books with our eyes, the
past with our memories, and
uncertainty with our schemes.
Sometimes, we make maps
and eat them, all to avoid
the fact that we will always
run out of time.
People I have loved have gone
missing or turned away. Some
in their sadness tried to eat me.
And so, I had to leave.
Perhaps that’s it. Though,
we have to leave or be left,
the heart never leaves. And
standing in that shadow,
we feel sad.
July 6, 2016
I've been living with this collection of poems for over a year now. I kept it by my bedside, carried it in a purse, took it camping with me...I'm certainly not finished reading, but I've now digested all of the poems in the book. They move me. Some fill my eyes with tears and others simply make me smile. There are several I return to again and again. Much in the way that I am stirred by the work of Mary Oliver, Nepo manages to communicate to me truths that are known but often go unspoken. His poems sometimes call me out and hold me accountable for my own expressions of humanity. Other times, they gently nudge me toward gratitude, acceptance and peace. With each re-reading I find another hidden gem: an insight, a moment of clarity, or a question I've never asked myself. This, to me, is poetry at its finest. I will cherish this book. It has been a gift I will continue to unwrap for years to come.
April 6, 2014
I do not usually read poetry. This book made me realize that poetry is like meditation. I summarize my thoughts about this book here: http://youtu.be/_U0ZagZ8wOc
"...if we can stay true to our experience and to each other, and face the spirit that experience and love carry, we will eventually be reduced to joy." --Mark Nepo
"...if we can stay true to our experience and to each other, and face the spirit that experience and love carry, we will eventually be reduced to joy." --Mark Nepo
February 1, 2015
He's not the greatest technical poet - more like a famous Oprah's Book Club author who decided to write some poems and probably had a really good editor.
Best Poems
"Under Birdsong" (23)
"The Industry of No" (57)
"Inside Why" (120)
Best Poems
"Under Birdsong" (23)
"The Industry of No" (57)
"Inside Why" (120)
December 29, 2015
Some really beautiful & thought-provoking lines in this book. I'm very glad I stumbled upon it. I plan to read more of his work in the future - I've heard good things from others about his non-fiction.
February 25, 2016
This is the first book I've read by Mark Nepo and it won't be my last. Poignant and thoughtful. I enjoyed his words immensely. I felt the intent and feeling behind those words and that is what resonates with me the most. I was truly moved.
March 5, 2015
Mark Nepo is so beautiful with words. This is a lovely book, but I admit that I enjoy seeing him read his poems aloud more than reading it from the page.
January 20, 2014
It is seldom that I read a collection of poetry that moved me the way this one did. He has a great heart. Loved it.
February 28, 2014
A splendid offering, both vulnerable and luminous, of personal and spiritually insightful poetry.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews