Now in his seventies, poet and philosopher Mark Nepo explores the rhythms of aging in the second half of life. This program is read by the author.
As the years go by, the question for each of us becomes more and more real: What does it mean to age? Despite the limitations that come as the body wears down, Mark Nepo believes that there are many gifts to inhabit by aging. So much is gained and so much is shed along the way.
As Mark began to reflect on the gifts and challenges of this process we're all immersed in, he realized, more than ever, that we are called to live a creative life as we age. We are led to what the Chinese call "the fifth season"-that moment in late summer when the glare of the sun fades so that we can see clearly the true colors around us.
The Fifth Season offers Mark's wise and gentle insights on growing older, helping readers identify the second half of life as a turning point, a time of integration and transformation that guides us in making sense of our experiences. All seasons lead to this season; all experiences lead to this understanding of experience.
In truth, Mark writes, we each must face living and dying from the inside of the one life we are given. But we can share the journey, which is the purpose of this book, to be a companion in your effort to enter the fifth season of your life.
A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin's Press Essentials. MARK NEPO is a #1 New York Times bestselling author. His books – including The Book of Awakening, The One Life We're Given, and Drinking From the River of Light - have been translated into more than twenty languages. Mark has appeared several times with Oprah Winfrey on her Super Soul Sunday program. In 2015, he was given a Life-Achievement Award by AgeNation. In 2016, he was named by Watkins: Mind Body Spirit as one of the 100 Most Spiritually Influential Living People.
"Mark Nepo has a gift. Once again, he combines insight, perspective, and poetry with such propulsive force that it lifts the soul. I will pull this book off my shelf again and again." -Melinda French Gates
"In much of our world, aging is thought of as a disease to avoid. But as Mark Nepo beautifully shows, aging can be a process of transformation and expansion. The Fifth Season is an essential guidebook for how to explore your inner world, embrace the many gifts of aging, and live more fully." -Arianna Huffington, Founder & CEO, Thrive Global
"The path of becoming an elder is a sacred one. Aging, like dying, cannot be avoided-though our youth might believe otherwise. Mark's invitation to age in a sweet, sacred, and conscious way is a delight, as he encourages us to closely examine our gifts, our myths, and to walk this path with courage. He illuminates the wisdom that cannot be forced, but only reveals itself with time. This book reminds those in the aging chapter of life that they are valuable and valued. What an incredible journey he has mapped out, weaving together the wisdom of so many wise elders. Want to feel good about aging? Read The Fifth Season." -Rev. Dr. Michelle Wadleigh, author of Shadow Work
"Illuminating, encouraging, heartening: a hymn to aging that is grounded in simplicity as well as truth. I am thrilled and inspired by it." -Dr Stephanie Dowrick, Ph.D., D.Min, author of Your name is not Anxious
"Over the years, Mark Nepo has been a deeply attentive student of 'the inside of everything.' I know of no better guide to that uncharted vastness that animates all life. In this magnificent book Mark, now in his mid-seventies, helps us explore aging from the inside out. Drawing on personal experience, on stories of people he has known, on his deep understanding of a range of wisdom traditions, and on his poetic sensibilities, he celebrates the light that comes with age and sheds light in places where so many fear the darkness. Whatever your age, if living fully into the gift of life is your hope, this book will ser
