Mark Nepo, in "The Book of Awakening," expresses the idea that our experiences, both tragic and graceful, shape our true selves. He suggests that life is a journey that inevitably transforms us, regardless of our willingness to engage with it. This transformation is akin to shedding an old skin and donning a new one, signifying the deeper understanding we acquire as we navigate life.

Nepo emphasizes that every individual will undergo this process of being opened up by their daily experiences. This evolution reveals the authentic aspects of our character, highlighting the inevitability of personal growth and change through the course of our lives.