SoulTalk with Kute Blackson 346: Mark Nepo on Overcoming Loneliness: Finding Authentic Connection in a Modern World
“ By accepting our own humanness, then we're able to be more present to each other. I think that's a big part of recovering the place of high safety.”
Today, we are honored to have New York Times bestselling author Mark Nepo, a poet and philosopher who has been teaching for over 40 years. He has published 25 books, including The Book of Awakening, Falling Down and Getting Up, and Finding Courage, Mark has been interviewed several times by Oprah Winfrey as part of her Super Soul Sunday TV show.
In this episode with Mark, we explore themes of loneliness, authenticity, and the balance between solitude and community. Mark shares his insights on the importance of staying current and authentic in relationships, and finding the courage to be true to oneself.
He also talks about nuances of maintaining healthy relationships, even when they are challenging. Mark emphasize the need to set boundaries, communicate openly, and support each other's growth without judgment.
Listen to this episode and learn how to find the right balance between solitude and engagement, and how to stay true to one's own truth and needs. This episode is sure to stir your heart and help you nurture a deeper connection with yourself.
Timestamps:
(00:02:56) - Discussion of the natural state of solitude and its impact on the world.(00:04:24) - The importance of being authentic and taking risks to connect with others.(00:09:46) - Navigating self judgement as a creative. (00:11:17) - The rewards of solitude and connection. (00:13:46) - The importance of accepting one's own humanness and being present.(00:29:45) - When to accept and call other’s out on their bad behaviors. (00:31:08) - The role of teaching and mirroring in relationships. (00:33:57) - Learning the practice of staying close without losing oneself. (00:37:12) - The challenge of staying connected with someone who is toxic or abusive.(00:38:21) - Setting boundaries and communicating openly in relationship. (00:41:17) - The pros and cons of Codependency in relationship. (00:43:35) - Practicing inner life in order to stay grounded. (00:46:40) - When to identify when to leave a relationship. (00:53:44) - Keeping relationship alive.
Some Questions I Ask:
- Why do so many people feel alone, even when surrounded by others?
- How can we find the right personal balance between solitude and connection?
- What are the keys to maintaining healthy, authentic relationships?
- How can we stay present and supportive in relationships without losing ourselves?
- What is the role of personal practices in maintaining inner strength and balance?
- How do you handle the challenge of staying connected with someone who is toxic or abusive?
In This Episode You Will Learn:
- How to overcome feelings of loneliness and find meaningful connection.
- How to find the balance between solitude and engagement in maintaining healthy relationships.
- The importance of authenticity, vulnerability, and setting boundaries in relationships.
- The significance of personal practices in maintaining inner strength and balance.
- Key strategies for staying present and supportive in challenging relationships.
- How modern life and technology can heighten feelings of isolation, even when surrounded by others.
Get in Touch:
Mark Nepo’s URL:
Mark’s upcoming webinar: Finding Inner Courage: Our Walk in the World, which starts July 21st, and runs for 3 Sundays. Info is at live.marknepo.com
Mark’s New Book: https://read.macmillan.com/lp/you-dont-have-to-do-it-alone/
Mark Nepo’s previous Soultalk episode: https://kuteblackson.com/soultalk_podcast/mark-nepo/
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