Yes Beth I’m currently writing about 10 places where the people who live there have a unique attachment or should I say a connection to the land. Filled with sacredness and ceremony.
It is a ten part series - called the language of rocks and stones.
There is something extraordinary about the Asian people and culture that has a hidden gem about living life that people in the western cultures have yet to discover. One of the most insightful people on the Eastern cultures, Allan Watts has really helped me get knowledge and insights I never would have gotten. The India cultures, Japan cultures, Tibet and Chinese ways of life have extraordinary philosophical teachings capable of completely changing how we view the world.
Last weekend my 17 yr old daughter and I travelled to Glasgow from Swansea to check out Strathclyde university. She wants to study English there. She instantly lit up when we got there and was excited by everything happening around her. I tried to turn it into an adventure, we stayed in the most beautiful boutique hotel in the centre. The university was fabulous, the Clyde just as vast as I remembered. We left when I was 11 yrs old and moved to Plymouth. I then moved to Swansea at the age of 21.
Your essay here has reminded me that Glasgow is not so far and it is time she had her own adventure. Maybe even time for me to have a few more of my own. I'm reminded that after 29 years of being a parent, 17 of those as a single parent, that I might crave a bit of solitude and a few adventures. my pull is to the Hebrides with walks and maybe a view to paint and a place to sit and read a good book, possibly even write one.
When I was growing up in Bristol, I felt a pull to London. I had a tough time in my teen years, and thought it may have looked like running away, my heart knew I was meant to go to London and get away from it all. I moved here for uni in 2010 and haven't really looked back. I wouldn't have made some of my closest friends or met my husband if I didn't take that leap back then. When I'm feeling sad/overwhelmed/struggling in any way, I always try to go to Soutbank and walk along the river. It has been my special place since those uni days when I was going through so much and would escape up there to think and listen to music and write.
Another place that has always called to me is New York. I've yet to visit, but I feel an intrinsic tug that I need to go there, and that it will be a life altering experience for me. I don't know why, but something in my soul and my writers' heart just knows this to be true.
Hokkaido is a beautiful area. I spent the summer of 1999 as a raft guide in Niseko and again for a few weeks of motorcycle touring in 2013. I moved to Japan in 1998, and I have spent most of my years in West Nowhere, AKA Shimane, The Land of the Gods, and home to Kagura.
Have you experienced Iwami Kagura in your time in Japan?
I look forward to reading this book. I went to Tokyo back in 2009 and it was an amazing experience. I wish I'd travelled further afield, but plan to go back to Japan when time and finances allow. It is such an interesting country. I would love to take a sketchbook to Japan and spend a month keeping a journal, exploring this vast and fascinating country. Kokoro is a beautiful word. I look forward to discovering more. Is there a way to order this book outside of Amazon? Thanks x
My then boyfriend (now husband and partner) and I had tickets to Japan booked and then lockdown happened. It has always been a dream of ours to visit Japan, especially for him. We were saddened that we couldn't go but of course were grateful that we stayed safe throughout lockdown and beyond. Maybe one day we'll be able to visit. Until then, I'm planning on gifting him your book. Thank you for sharing your experiences! I'm truly grateful.
I was right there with you having a trip cancelled in lockdown. It was tough watching the borders stay shut for two years. I hope you will get there one day and in the meantime I hope Kokoro leads you there within its pages 🩵
I went to Japan last year! And I was so in love with everything there, the temples, the nature… rituals…
Can’t wait to listen to Kokoro!
I just finished listening to Wabi Sabi (I don’t usually do audio books, you are the first, but I really like the cadence of your voice!).
Now, I have a question about the preorder, I preordered via Apple Book app, but they don’t have a receipt number until the book is released… is that a problem for the pre-order gift/course?
Hi Carolina, ahh wonderful. Hope Kokoro transports you back! Thank you for pre-ordering. I look forward to reading it to you✨ If Apple Books have given you an order reference number you can pop that in the form at bethkempton.com/kokoro. If not you can email a screenshot to learning@dowhatyouloveforlife.com and we will add you to the list for the free class 🩵
Your mum was a very wise woman. I have a similar calling through my aikido practice and my latest coaching client is a Japanese ex-pat, CEO in London. He is a marvel to be with. If you add to that a copy of Wabi Sabi and binge watching the excellent Shōgun remake, I sense Japan has slipped the hyperdermic needle under my skin and it is only now I have begun to notice it's presence. Komodo is on the list and my first book is being guided by The Way of the Fearless Writer 👏👏👏
My adolescence was a rather difficult time. I never felt a sense of belonging to my home country and just wanted to leave. For me it was always clear, that I would go overseas after finishing high school. The place that caught my interest most was Aotearoa/New Zealand because it was a big question mark to me. I didn't really know where it was exactly, what people lived there, what it looked like, etc as it hadn't been a country I heard much about growing up. Yet there was something that pulled me towards it.
So after finishing high school, I packed my things and traveled to the other side of the world. New Zealand captured my heart instantly and I didn't want to leave again but had to for various reasons.
After two years in my home country, I moved to NZ permanently and now get to call this very special place my home. New Zealand has changed my life in so many ways. Through the distance and different culture, I've started appreciating my home country, my family, my language more. I've uncovered a lot of wounds and grief that I didn't know was there before. It's been a place of incredible transformation for me.
I too had a pull to NZ for so long. I eventually went there with the intention to stay for a year, but for personal reasons I ended up returning to the UK after 2 months. I would love to go back to NZ and learn more about this beautiful country and culture.
Too bad you had to leave so soon. I left after 9 months, even though I wanted to stay. But going back home was part of my journey. And I did eventually make it back and am now living here. Sometimes it's just not the right time. If you can, definitely come back. It's such a special place.
"They settled on my skin and then melted into it. Japan does that, you see. It arrives quietly and never leaves." my goodness this ever so resonates xx Pre order of the book has been done have actually gotten two would like to give away in my book club. I also look forward to writing about my pull to a particular place once it's written and published here on my new publications.
Yes Beth I’m currently writing about 10 places where the people who live there have a unique attachment or should I say a connection to the land. Filled with sacredness and ceremony.
It is a ten part series - called the language of rocks and stones.
Can’t wait to listen to your audio book.
Loved hearing you read this, Beth. It spurred me on to send a copy of Kokoro to my aunt for her birthday 🎈
There is something extraordinary about the Asian people and culture that has a hidden gem about living life that people in the western cultures have yet to discover. One of the most insightful people on the Eastern cultures, Allan Watts has really helped me get knowledge and insights I never would have gotten. The India cultures, Japan cultures, Tibet and Chinese ways of life have extraordinary philosophical teachings capable of completely changing how we view the world.
Last weekend my 17 yr old daughter and I travelled to Glasgow from Swansea to check out Strathclyde university. She wants to study English there. She instantly lit up when we got there and was excited by everything happening around her. I tried to turn it into an adventure, we stayed in the most beautiful boutique hotel in the centre. The university was fabulous, the Clyde just as vast as I remembered. We left when I was 11 yrs old and moved to Plymouth. I then moved to Swansea at the age of 21.
Your essay here has reminded me that Glasgow is not so far and it is time she had her own adventure. Maybe even time for me to have a few more of my own. I'm reminded that after 29 years of being a parent, 17 of those as a single parent, that I might crave a bit of solitude and a few adventures. my pull is to the Hebrides with walks and maybe a view to paint and a place to sit and read a good book, possibly even write one.
Adventure awaits for both of us.
When I was growing up in Bristol, I felt a pull to London. I had a tough time in my teen years, and thought it may have looked like running away, my heart knew I was meant to go to London and get away from it all. I moved here for uni in 2010 and haven't really looked back. I wouldn't have made some of my closest friends or met my husband if I didn't take that leap back then. When I'm feeling sad/overwhelmed/struggling in any way, I always try to go to Soutbank and walk along the river. It has been my special place since those uni days when I was going through so much and would escape up there to think and listen to music and write.
Another place that has always called to me is New York. I've yet to visit, but I feel an intrinsic tug that I need to go there, and that it will be a life altering experience for me. I don't know why, but something in my soul and my writers' heart just knows this to be true.
I cant wait to read this book. Where did you stay for your writing trip? I spent my sabbatical in Okinawa and it was bliss.
Hokkaido is a beautiful area. I spent the summer of 1999 as a raft guide in Niseko and again for a few weeks of motorcycle touring in 2013. I moved to Japan in 1998, and I have spent most of my years in West Nowhere, AKA Shimane, The Land of the Gods, and home to Kagura.
Have you experienced Iwami Kagura in your time in Japan?
I look forward to reading this book. I went to Tokyo back in 2009 and it was an amazing experience. I wish I'd travelled further afield, but plan to go back to Japan when time and finances allow. It is such an interesting country. I would love to take a sketchbook to Japan and spend a month keeping a journal, exploring this vast and fascinating country. Kokoro is a beautiful word. I look forward to discovering more. Is there a way to order this book outside of Amazon? Thanks x
I pre-ordered your book, and I am looking forward to reading it. It takes 10 to 15 days to ship to the USA, but hey, it's free.
💗💗💗💗
My then boyfriend (now husband and partner) and I had tickets to Japan booked and then lockdown happened. It has always been a dream of ours to visit Japan, especially for him. We were saddened that we couldn't go but of course were grateful that we stayed safe throughout lockdown and beyond. Maybe one day we'll be able to visit. Until then, I'm planning on gifting him your book. Thank you for sharing your experiences! I'm truly grateful.
I was right there with you having a trip cancelled in lockdown. It was tough watching the borders stay shut for two years. I hope you will get there one day and in the meantime I hope Kokoro leads you there within its pages 🩵
I’m so looking forward to the arrival of this book
Hope you love it 🩵
I went to Japan last year! And I was so in love with everything there, the temples, the nature… rituals…
Can’t wait to listen to Kokoro!
I just finished listening to Wabi Sabi (I don’t usually do audio books, you are the first, but I really like the cadence of your voice!).
Now, I have a question about the preorder, I preordered via Apple Book app, but they don’t have a receipt number until the book is released… is that a problem for the pre-order gift/course?
Thanks!
Have a lovely weekend!
Hi Carolina, ahh wonderful. Hope Kokoro transports you back! Thank you for pre-ordering. I look forward to reading it to you✨ If Apple Books have given you an order reference number you can pop that in the form at bethkempton.com/kokoro. If not you can email a screenshot to learning@dowhatyouloveforlife.com and we will add you to the list for the free class 🩵
Your mum was a very wise woman. I have a similar calling through my aikido practice and my latest coaching client is a Japanese ex-pat, CEO in London. He is a marvel to be with. If you add to that a copy of Wabi Sabi and binge watching the excellent Shōgun remake, I sense Japan has slipped the hyperdermic needle under my skin and it is only now I have begun to notice it's presence. Komodo is on the list and my first book is being guided by The Way of the Fearless Writer 👏👏👏
Love this. Isn’t Shogun just stunning?
Astonishing.
My adolescence was a rather difficult time. I never felt a sense of belonging to my home country and just wanted to leave. For me it was always clear, that I would go overseas after finishing high school. The place that caught my interest most was Aotearoa/New Zealand because it was a big question mark to me. I didn't really know where it was exactly, what people lived there, what it looked like, etc as it hadn't been a country I heard much about growing up. Yet there was something that pulled me towards it.
So after finishing high school, I packed my things and traveled to the other side of the world. New Zealand captured my heart instantly and I didn't want to leave again but had to for various reasons.
After two years in my home country, I moved to NZ permanently and now get to call this very special place my home. New Zealand has changed my life in so many ways. Through the distance and different culture, I've started appreciating my home country, my family, my language more. I've uncovered a lot of wounds and grief that I didn't know was there before. It's been a place of incredible transformation for me.
I too had a pull to NZ for so long. I eventually went there with the intention to stay for a year, but for personal reasons I ended up returning to the UK after 2 months. I would love to go back to NZ and learn more about this beautiful country and culture.
Too bad you had to leave so soon. I left after 9 months, even though I wanted to stay. But going back home was part of my journey. And I did eventually make it back and am now living here. Sometimes it's just not the right time. If you can, definitely come back. It's such a special place.
Wow this is fascinating. Isn’t it curious that we can know before we know that somewhere will be a special place for us?
That sums it up pretty well, sometimes you just know!
"They settled on my skin and then melted into it. Japan does that, you see. It arrives quietly and never leaves." my goodness this ever so resonates xx Pre order of the book has been done have actually gotten two would like to give away in my book club. I also look forward to writing about my pull to a particular place once it's written and published here on my new publications.
I hope it carries you straight back into your memories of the place and people you encountered 🩵