The Exquisite Risk: Daring to Live an Authentic Life

by Mark Nepo

In these fast-paced times, the exquisite risk facing each of us every day is to slow down and “still our own house” so that we may experience life rather than simply manage it. In The Exquisite Risk , poet and teacher Mark Nepo encourages readers to become quiet enough and open enough to listen to what truly matters—our own hearts, our loved ones, the wonders of nature—in order to live a life with nothing held back. In rich, lyrical prose, Nepo shares his own spiritual path, including a battle with illness that helped him understand how only by daring to embrace all that life has to offer can we come to a deeper appreciation of its meaning and beauty.

In the spirit of works by Deepak Chopra and Ram Dass, The Exquisite Risk unfolds in chapters like “The Struggle to Be Real,” “There Are Teachers Everywhere,” “The Rhythm of Kindness,” and “The Gift of Surprise,” offering fresh perspective on the art of being alive and providing essential insight into how we can minimize what stands between us and our experience of life.

Genres: Nonfiction, Spirituality, Self Help, Philosophy, Psychology, Personal Development, Memoir

304 pages, Hardcover

First published February 15, 2005

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

[Jaime · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is actually a 3.5 star, FYI.

"Sufi master Hazrat Inayat Khan says: 'God breaks the heart again and again until it stays open.'"

[Mary K · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve read some great books by Nepo but this one I just couldn’t get into. Not sure why. Maybe because I put it down and picked it up so many times and it took me 3/4 of a year to get to the end

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

the exquisite risk is an exquisite read.

[Ljonz]

At times the writing breathes space into my moments. Some good thoughts are shared in a poetic way.

[Cameron · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book started with so much promise, the title alone grabbed my attention and demanded to be read. The author did not disappoint, his life experience and view encourages one to see, literally and figuratively life through different eyes. Being a cancer survivor has moved Nepo to a level of awareness which is admirable. As the book progresses Nepo's enthusiasm for the simple things grows stronger. He then seems to transcend the everyday and his descriptions, though filled with passion, become obscure and the shared experiences esoteric. Perhaps like profound, personal, spiritual experiences, they become harder to convey to the audience to which the experiences were not intended.

[Jerry · Rating 1 out of 5]

Too much air, not enough substance.

[JeanAnn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had read some articles by Mark Nepo in Parabola and liked what he said and how he said it. This led us to read one of his books; hopefully, to read more in the future. I believe Nepo has a mystic's deep sense of life.

[Stephen Bar Ner Wulkan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A guide book to our souls.

This is a confession, a guide and a truth that has lifted me out of some darker corners of my being.
Great read that lifts us outwards from within ourselves to face life boldly and compassionately.

[Susan K · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a deeply reflective and philosophical book. At times, it spoke to me very clearly, whereas at other times, it was over my head. This is the type of book that you could reread several times and get more and more out of it.

[Jonny Andres · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book worth reading. Uplifting and magical. I could not stop turning the pages.

[David · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF but I gave it good effort. It didnt grab me but is well written.

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some nuggets of wisdom here and there throughout the book, but overall, boring.

[Janet Ronsky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book with beautiful poetry and many inspiring thoughts and ideas about faith, being and living authentically.

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought provoking while also being loving and supporting. Definitely one I plan on re-reading every so often.

[Eva · Rating 2 out of 5]

one of the few books I did not finish after getting 50% of the way through. could not connect with the writing style

[Gina-Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, Mark Nepo creates a guide on how to grow your inner life and light.

[Taylor Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this each morning with my coffee. It was enlightening and spiritual. Always uplifting. Will continue to read more by him!

[HoneyBakedAmbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mark Nepo on what makes an authentic and meaningful life. Can’t go wrong!

[Liz Worth · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is beautifully written but it never felt like it went below the surface for me.

Mark Nepo's writing style is quite engaging, and I was immediately drawn into the book.

I really appreciated the folklore that he referenced throughout, and there are definitely some pages I've bookmarked for future reference, but again, I kept expecting the book to go a bit deeper and it never really did for me.

[Patrick Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mark Nepo is a poet and sees the world through a poet's eyes. Personally, his words sang off the page and spoke to the core of my being. Not only did they seem to capture a truth that I was just beginning to see, he brought even more beauty into each and every moment! Not everyone's cup of tea, but for those with a poetic mind, every page will hold amazing depth and beauty.

[Minda · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite book of Mark's. I constantly revisit and read a chapter or two for inspiration. It goes deeper and gives me more to think about than his daily devotional, although I love that one too. I can't live without this book.

[Margie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this with a "help" group. Took a while to finish in that we discussed a couple of chapters a week. Contains very helpful information. The writing is lyrical. Poetic. Would recommend to those who are trying to grow and increase their awareness of the world around them.

[Lorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding, at times I could only digest a page at a time and I was off in my journaling writing about what I had read! Can't say enough about this book, it will hold a permanent place on my library shelves.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mark is a poet who writes an inspiring work for all who are looking for a sense of understanding of ones own evolution. I have deep contemplations and insights as a result of his work.

[Gianetta · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the message behind the words, but I had difficulty connecting with the author.

[Suzy Hartig-parrino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous Read; being authentic is a life goal and Mark has convinced me that i'm on the right path d;-)

[Susan]

I really love the way Mark Nepo writes, so beautifully, and he so speaks to what matters and how to truly live....I so highly recommend :)

[Kathy Oberle · Rating 5 out of 5]

beyond wonderful! Love Mark's poetry.

[Stacy Piper]

Good learning from this. I especially love all the quotes.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent, inspiring, helps to assess your current state of being. highly recommend this uplifting book.