“With a seeker’s profound curiosity, a journalist’s keen eye, and a potent combination of honesty, courage, intelligence, and tender-heartedness, Mark Matousek as written a beautiful book that is at once a spiritual autobiography and an exploration of one of the most mystical beings of our time.” —Dani Shapiro, author of HourglassMark Matousek was a nonbeliever when he met Mother Meera in 1985. Yet, in her presence, he experienced inexplicable occu...

From a bestselling author—“a riveting, fun, and insightful tour of life’s meaning and purpose, essential reading for anyone drawn to the query, ‘How ought we to live?'” (Daniel Goleman, author of Emotional Intelligence)Contrary to what we’ve been taught in our reason-obsessed culture, argues Matousek, emotions are the bedrock of ethical life; without them, human beings cannot be empathic, moral, or good. But how do we make the judgment call between self-in...

Do survivors of life's greatest trials possess a secret knowledge? Is there an art to survival―a map for crossing the wilderness―or daily life? Why do some people blossom through adversity while others stop growing? Drawing on twenty years' experience in this field, using stories, parable, and scientific data, acclaimed memoirist Mark Matousek gives the first-ever comprehensive look at this mysterious phenomenon of viriditas, the power of drawing passion, beauty, and wisdom from t...

In this 2023 conversation with Justine Willis Toms, writer Mark Matousek reminds us that In these times of chronic planetary, traumatic stress, we have access to the radical and relevant philosophy of the American treasure, Ralph Waldo Emerson.Emerson’s philosophy of self-reliance which, in his terms, was much more than standing alone as a self-sufficient individual. It is about paying attention to the well-being of the spirit and reliance on the divine intelligence that we all sha...

Writing to Awaken is an inspirational investigation of the self through expressive writing, guiding you along the path of awakening through radical truth-telling and self-inquiry. With targeted and revelatory questions, you’ll be prompted to explore your own personal narrative—to write honestly about your deepest wounds, greatest challenges, hidden gifts, yearnings, and opportunities for growth—in order to discover a deeply authentic understanding of yourself and move toward a mor...

How do you live an awakened life? In these 14 inspirational talks from The Seekers Forum, best selling author and teacher Mark Matousek provides a contemporary roadmap to everyday wisdom for spiritual seekers. Exploring topics that include Fear and Desire, Beginner’s Mind, Passion and Abandon, and Awakening Genius, these intimate lectures ignite personal insight, creative freedom, and emotional healing on the path toward self-discovery.As Matousek says, “When you tell the truth, yo...

“Mark Matousek has produced [a] riveting account of his search–at age 38, with the help of a private detective–for the father who abandoned him at age four. A searing meditation on the psychic harm suffered by men and women without fathers, this wise odyssey wrestles with questions of life and death and the search for the meaning of one’s existence.” —Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)“I was four years old when my father came back to kidnap me,” begins thi...

In this 2023 conversation with Justine Willis Toms, writer Mark Matousek reminds us that In these times of chronic planetary, traumatic stress, we have access to the radical and relevant philosophy of the American treasure, Ralph Waldo Emerson.Emerson’s philosophy of self-reliance which, in his terms, was much more than standing alone as a self-sufficient individual. It is about paying attention to the well-being of the spirit and reliance on the divine intelligence that we all sha...

"It's hard to know when you're having a breakdown in New York City. The symptoms of living here, succeeding here, and losing your mind here are almost identical." So begins Matousek's 1996 breakout memoir about leaving a fast-track publishing life (working for pop artist Andy Warhol at Interview Magazine) and hitting the dharma trail in search of a meaningful life and spiritual wisdom. Hailed by Publisher's Weekly as "brave, beautiful, and brilliantly observed," Sex Death Enli...

Although we're taught to believe that insecurity is something to be avoided, the more open you are to the truth of insecurity, the stronger you become.The Wisdom of Insecurity will help you to embrace this ubiquitous humility of life more fully.A Better Listen audio production.

Our lives are defined by the quest for meaning. The ability to identify our particular purpose–our unique significance as individuals – determines not only the quality of our lives but, during difficult times, our very survival.Ours is a culture that emphasizes chasing power outside of ourselves through competition, material success, and the pursuit of happiness.A Better Listen audio production.