Kokoro: Japanese Wisdom for a Life Well-lived by Beth Kempton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The author, Beth Kempton, has a great love and understanding of Japanese culture and philosophies.
Beth Kempton’s attempts to define and refine the meaning of the the state of being that is “Kokoro” reveal that it can mean many different things in different circumstances and contexts.
Essentially, Kokoro, as I see it, is an invitation to enrich your life by tapping in to your reactions and emotions and thus shining a positive, life affirming viewpoint on all that you decide to do and say. (A departure from allowing the rational brain to manipulate automatic responses to any given situation or idea.)
“Kokoro” opens a window to the soul when you project your feelings and reactions to everyday life and situations and examine the feelings they produce: a sort of spiritual/emotional state of being. Instead of rationally analyzing and judging everything, we are encouraged to tune in to our senses and emotions and react “heart-mindfully” – which in turn tunes you into the beauty and joy right in front of you and helps you navigate through life based on those feelings.
“Kokoro” would encourage you to make conscious decisions to direct your life “heart-mindfully” so that you experience nature and human relationships in a way that adds to your happiness and comfort. It is indeed a “state of mind” as well as a personal philosophy.
Beth Kempton’s Kokoro will expose you to many forms of Japanese culture: poetry, drama, philosophy and meditation. I found this was a very “restful” book to read. I’m rating this inspirational guidebook a 4 out of 5 stars. My thanks to the author, Publisher and NetGalley for a PDF arc of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Crossing the Pond Reviews 