In this profound talk, Mark talks to bestselling poet and philosopher Mark Nepo about the connection between writing and spiritual awakening, and how to use adversity as a doorway to self-realization.

Mark Nepo  is a poet and philosopher who has taught in the fields of poetry and spirituality for over 30 years. He is best known as the author of  The Book of Awakening. In 2010 Oprah Winfrey chose this book as one of her Ultimate Favorite Things for her farewell season, launching it to the #1 spot on the  New York Times  bestseller list. Nepo has appeared several times with Oprah Winfrey on her  Super Soul Sunday  program on OWN TV. He has published 12 books and recorded six audio projects. A cancer survivor, Nepo writes and teaches about the journey of inner transformation and the life of relationship. His recent book,  Seven Thousand Ways to Listen, won the Books for A Better Life Award.

In this inspiring heart-to-heart discussion, Mark dialogues with bestselling author and consciousness pioneer Elizabeth Lesser about her own education in love and mortality during her sister’s cancer journey.

Elizabeth Lesser  is the co-founder and senior adviser of the Omega Institute, the largest adult education center in the United States, focusing on health, wellness, spirituality and creativity. For more than 30 years, Elizabeth has studied and worked with leading figures in the fields of healing, spiritual development and cultural change. She is the author of  Broken Open: How Difficult Times Can Help Us Grow  and  A Seeker’s Guide: Making Your Life a Spiritual Adventure.