[Best Of] On Wisdom & Love in Troubling Times | Mark Nepo & Elizabeth Lesser

In times of great division, disruption, and uncertainty, how can we find the ability to stay grounded? 

While each of us may find we have different answers, 

Here are a few that have been emerging for me recently:

The first - remembering, in the words of one of today’s guests: 

you don’t have to do it alone. 

Remembering the power (and necessity) of seeking out supportive community, and friends. 

The second -turning to history. 

Gaining perspective and insight by revisiting times in the past where humans have collectively endured, and persevered in the face of tremendous adversity.

The third - turning to the wisdom of elders.

Seeking out the wise and caring teachers, mentors, and leaders in our communities who are further along the path and can offer guidance from where they stand. 

Two of these modern elders in many ways are Mark Nepo and Elizabeth Lesser.

Chosen as one of OWN's SuperSoul 100, 

a group of inspired leaders using their gifts and voices to elevate humanity, 

Mark Nepo is one of the great poets and spiritual guides of our time. 

And 

bestselling author, and Co-Founder of Omega Institute, one of the world’s leading conference and retreat centers, 

Elizabeth Lesser has had the opportunity to learn from, and collaborate with many of the greatest spiritual teachers and leaders around the world. 

Something she’s done since Omega was first founded in 1977. 

I asked Elizabeth and Mark if they’d be willing to come together to engage in a rich conversation - sharing some of their own insights, practices, and ultimately what they’ve learned from some of their teachers about navigating troubling times. 

In this conversation (originally released in March 2025) we'll explore:

The possibility of meeting whatever is here, 

including the grand challenges we are facing, 

with greater wisdom, balance, and love.

For more on Mark please visit marknepo.com

For more on Elizabeth check out elizabethlesser.org, and for more on Omega Institute please visit: eomega.org

I was reminded in this conversation that perhaps the most potent way we might find our way through these times, 

And back to each other,

Is by remembering that at some level we are all made of the same stuff. 

Each one of us, a human being - part of a larger whole.

A reminder which in Mark’s words took this form:

“When we come back into direct connection with life,

There’s a reverence for life. 

And when we have a reverence for life we can’t do harm.”

Did you find this episode inspiring? Here are other conversations we think you'll love:

• On the Transformative Power of Equanimity | Margaret Cullen
• On Saving the World and Ourselves | john a. powell
• Rediscovering the Art of Constructive Dialogue | Dr. Mylien Duong

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