Kokoro: Japanese Wisdom for a Life Well Lived

Author and Japanologist Kempton (Wabi Sabi; The Way of the Fearless Writer) shares her journey through midlife grief. She uses the Japanese concept of kokoro as a guide. “Kokoro” is often translated into English as “heart,” but it includes elements of soul, mind, instinct, and spirit, all of which Kempton refers to as the “intelligent heart.” By listening to one’s kokoro, a person can be present in the moment and make thoughtful decisions about one’s life. After the deaths of a good friend and her mother, the author travelled to Japan and spoke with a range of people, including Zen teachers and taxi drivers, who all taught her some aspect of kokoro. Kempton expounds on 12 aspects of this concept, divided into three categories: examining one’s current life, considering one’s mortality, and reflecting on how one wants to live the rest of their life. Along with Kempton’s narrative and dive into Japanese culture, each chapter includes questions and practical ways for readers to begin listening to their kokoro.