Beth Kempton’s Kokorois a book I’ve been wanting since I first heard about it. When I started doing her deep journaling exercises drawn from the book, I knew I had to get a copy and I’m glad I did.
A Review of Kokoro
kokoro [n.] intelligent heart, feeling mind
Kokoro (affiliate link) is a beautiful journey through the heart, mind, and spirit, set in the peaceful yet wild landscapes of rural Japan. This memoir combines personal grief, deep thoughts, and the beauty of Japan, giving readers a truly immersive experience of Kempton’s quest to confront life’s big questions. The book tells the story of a year filled with loss and change, as Kempton embarks on a journey through Japan’s sacred mountains, seeking guidance on navigating life’s uncertainties.
Kempton’s writing immediately immerses readers in the poignant and intense emotions that come with grappling with the complexities of grief. The structure of the book feels both deliberate and fluid, mirroring the unpredictable waves of sorrow and self-discovery. Kempton takes us on a symbolic journey through kokoro, the heart-mind-spirit connection. As she explores ancient forests, Zen temples, and meets different folks—from Noh actors to cab drivers—Kempton subtly contemplates impermanence, a fundamental belief in Japanese philosophy.
Every week, Beth shares a reflection on a word and a question to ponder on. Last week’s word was mountain and I want to ponder on these questions here today.
When, or in what area of your life have you been a mountainous presence for someone? Solid, grounded, reliable, steadfast? And who has been or is still a mountain for you?
Read more of my review and my reflection on ‘mountain’ on Bytes of Gyaan on Substack.
Discover more from Everyday Gyaan
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Sounds like such a profound and reflective read. Interesting the way grief, self-discovery, and the exploration of Japanese philosophy are blended.
The questions that the book poses have really helped me to go deeper into myself and trust my inner voice more.
I love books that inspire reflection, introspection, and action. Kokoro sounds like a wonderful read. Thank you for sharing this review, Corinne!
So do I, Vini. This book is personal and yet makes the reader ask so many questions of herself.
Thank you for the review, Corinne. Would love to read this book some day. Such profound wisdom!!
Ah, yes! It’s the deep journaling questions that she poses that are the best.
I am not sure to whom I am like a mountain. But my paternal grandmother was surely a tall person for me. She was like a mountain who was calm yet strong, protective yet stubborn.
Hmm. I have no idea, and no idea if it’s my place to say or only for others to judge and say ABOUT me. My “solid, grounded, reliable, steadfast” mountain is, of course, my husband.