What do you think?
Rate this book
Wabi Sabi: Japanese Wisdom for a Perfectly Imperfect Life
'A truly transformative read' Sunday Times STYLE
'More than ever, we need books like this' Jessica Seaton, Co-Founder of Toast and author of Gather, Cook, Feast
A whole new way of looking at the world - and your life - inspired by centuries-old Japanese wisdom.
Wabi sabi ( "wah-bi sah-bi" ) is a captivating concept from Japanese aesthetics, which helps us to see beauty in imperfection, appreciate simplicity and accept the transient nature of all things. With roots in zen and the way of tea, the timeless wisdom of wabi sabi is more relevant than ever for modern life, as we search for new ways to approach life's challenges and seek meaning beyond materialism.
Wabi sabi is a refreshing antidote to our fast-paced, consumption-driven world, which will encourage you to slow down, reconnect with nature, and be gentler on yourself. It will help you simplify everything, and concentrate on what really matters.
From honouring the rhythm of the seasons to creating a welcoming home, from reframing failure to ageing with grace, wabi sabi will teach you to find more joy and inspiration throughout your perfectly imperfect life.
This book is the definitive guide to applying the principles of wabi sabi to transform every area of your life, and finding happiness right where you are.
'More than ever, we need books like this' Jessica Seaton, Co-Founder of Toast and author of Gather, Cook, Feast
A whole new way of looking at the world - and your life - inspired by centuries-old Japanese wisdom.
Wabi sabi ( "wah-bi sah-bi" ) is a captivating concept from Japanese aesthetics, which helps us to see beauty in imperfection, appreciate simplicity and accept the transient nature of all things. With roots in zen and the way of tea, the timeless wisdom of wabi sabi is more relevant than ever for modern life, as we search for new ways to approach life's challenges and seek meaning beyond materialism.
Wabi sabi is a refreshing antidote to our fast-paced, consumption-driven world, which will encourage you to slow down, reconnect with nature, and be gentler on yourself. It will help you simplify everything, and concentrate on what really matters.
From honouring the rhythm of the seasons to creating a welcoming home, from reframing failure to ageing with grace, wabi sabi will teach you to find more joy and inspiration throughout your perfectly imperfect life.
This book is the definitive guide to applying the principles of wabi sabi to transform every area of your life, and finding happiness right where you are.
267 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 31, 2018
About the author
Beth Kempton
15 books291 followers日々是好日 - Every day is a good day (Zen proverb)
Beth Kempton is a Japanologist and a bestselling self-help author and writer mentor, whose books have been translated into 24 languages, who loves uncovering life lessons and philosophical ideas buried in Japanese culture, words and ritual.
Beth has two degrees in Japanese and has spent many years living and working in Japan, which she considers her second home. Over the years she has studied Japanese papermaking, flower arranging, pottery, noren-making, calligraphy, the tea ceremony, and weaving. Collectively these experiences have led to a deep love of the country and a rare understanding of Japanese cultural and linguistic nuances. She has been inhaling the magic and mystery of Japan - and been influenced by its philosophy and aesthetics - for over two decades.
A qualified yoga teacher and Reiki Master trained in Tokyo, she also has an incurable addiction to chocolate and Japanese stationery. Beth lives a slow-ish life near the sea in Devon, England, and is currently working on her fifth book, ‘Kokoro: Japanese wisdom for a life well-lived’, a follow up her earlier bestseller ‘Wabi Sabi’
Beth is the mother of two small girls who fill her with joy every single day.
https://bethkempton.com
https://dowhatyouloveforlife.com
IG @bethkempton
Facebook/Twitter @dowhatyoulovexx
Beth Kempton is a Japanologist and a bestselling self-help author and writer mentor, whose books have been translated into 24 languages, who loves uncovering life lessons and philosophical ideas buried in Japanese culture, words and ritual.
Beth has two degrees in Japanese and has spent many years living and working in Japan, which she considers her second home. Over the years she has studied Japanese papermaking, flower arranging, pottery, noren-making, calligraphy, the tea ceremony, and weaving. Collectively these experiences have led to a deep love of the country and a rare understanding of Japanese cultural and linguistic nuances. She has been inhaling the magic and mystery of Japan - and been influenced by its philosophy and aesthetics - for over two decades.
A qualified yoga teacher and Reiki Master trained in Tokyo, she also has an incurable addiction to chocolate and Japanese stationery. Beth lives a slow-ish life near the sea in Devon, England, and is currently working on her fifth book, ‘Kokoro: Japanese wisdom for a life well-lived’, a follow up her earlier bestseller ‘Wabi Sabi’
Beth is the mother of two small girls who fill her with joy every single day.
https://bethkempton.com
https://dowhatyouloveforlife.com
IG @bethkempton
Facebook/Twitter @dowhatyoulovexx
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 631 reviews
August 27, 2018
Well researched but the quality of the writing feels cluttered and confused at times. Is this an academic style treatment or a self help book tinged with Japanese philosophy, or something in-between? I worry it's a little too complex for the average reader that'd normally pick up this kind of book lured in by the beautiful binding and cover art. The book starts decently with a good d scriptions of wabi-sabi but eventually becomes bogged down in the usual self-help excesses. But what put me off is how shamelessly self-promotional the book is - constantly talking about 'I... I... I...' with many mentions of the author's other projects, sites and personal connections. I feel like a good editing cull could have shortened this book down to half its length and made it feel much more focused and consistent. As it is, I'd recommend the recent 'Japonsime' book over this one any day of the week - especially as it also comes with beautiful photography that actually illustrates a lot of what is being talked about (and is cheaper too).
December 15, 2019
A book less about a Japanese design or art style than on a way of living.
The four concepts of Japanese style, from gaudy flashy to subdued earth colour palette like (where I am somewhere between Hade and Iki, so quite far from the Wabi Sabi subduedness) was interesting.
But this book is more something to experience, not much into content itself, inviting the reader to contemplate while speaking kind of soothingly to him or her. Normally I find self help books slightly annoying and shallow. Kempton however has a style and a clear sense of formulation, that led me to enjoy the book, all though I found the book rather a slow read that didn’t really urge me onwards to finish it.
Still three stars, since it was inspirational to read how I could work on my own perfectly imperfect (and transient and impermanent to boot) life.
I like really a lot of quotes from Wabi Sabi and hope to return to them later:
“All things, including life itself, are impermanent, incomplete and imperfect. Therefore, perfection is impossible, and imperfection is the natural state of everything, including ourselves.”
“Letting go of what you think should be does not mean giving up on what could be. Importantly, accepting imperfection doesn’t mean having to lower standards or drop out of life.”
“And there are at least fifty ways to describe rain in the Japanese language. Onomatopoeia is used extensively, including to convey sounds related to nature. Zāzā describes rain pouring down heavily, kopokopo suggests the gentle bubbling of water and hyūhyū is the sound of a whooshing wind.”
“First, we experience. Then we reflect. There are things that can’t be learned without being directly experienced. On the mountain, the mountain is the teacher.”
“Imperfection is not a compromise.
We need to trust and accept and be willing to say, I don’t know it all, but I don’t need to know it all. I know enough. I don’t have it all, but I don’t need to have it all. I have enough. And I am not all things to all people, but I don’t need to be all things to all people. I am doing my best to be all I can be to those who really matter. I am enough.
This does not mean having no goals or ambition and giving up, nor is it to suggest that striving for something is a bad thing. It’s about getting really clear on why we want what we really want, outside of materialistic desires for the accumulation of stuff and the pressure of expectation from others.”
“But this is what we do. The better we get at something the more we widen our field of vision. We move from puddle to pond, from pond to sea. The ideal is always changing, and as long as we use that as motivation to do more quality, heart-and-soul work, that’s fine. But when it becomes an exercise in comparison it’s a dangerous place to be. I’m not saying you should settle for the puddle. I’m saying you might be happy in the pond, and that’s OK if that’s where you do your best. You might feel destined for the sea, and that’s fine too. Just be sure you go there for the right reasons.”
“The true beauty is not in the achievement of some kind of perfection, but rather in the sharing of the creation itself.”
“But let’s also be mindful of all that we celebrate – who we are, not just what we achieve, giving credit to the effort, as well as the wins.”
“The thing to remember is this: someone else’s success does not hinder your chances of achieving what you want. Their success may even open up new opportunities for you and others. They will walk their path; you are supposed to walk yours.”
The four concepts of Japanese style, from gaudy flashy to subdued earth colour palette like (where I am somewhere between Hade and Iki, so quite far from the Wabi Sabi subduedness) was interesting.
But this book is more something to experience, not much into content itself, inviting the reader to contemplate while speaking kind of soothingly to him or her. Normally I find self help books slightly annoying and shallow. Kempton however has a style and a clear sense of formulation, that led me to enjoy the book, all though I found the book rather a slow read that didn’t really urge me onwards to finish it.
Still three stars, since it was inspirational to read how I could work on my own perfectly imperfect (and transient and impermanent to boot) life.
I like really a lot of quotes from Wabi Sabi and hope to return to them later:
“All things, including life itself, are impermanent, incomplete and imperfect. Therefore, perfection is impossible, and imperfection is the natural state of everything, including ourselves.”
“Letting go of what you think should be does not mean giving up on what could be. Importantly, accepting imperfection doesn’t mean having to lower standards or drop out of life.”
“And there are at least fifty ways to describe rain in the Japanese language. Onomatopoeia is used extensively, including to convey sounds related to nature. Zāzā describes rain pouring down heavily, kopokopo suggests the gentle bubbling of water and hyūhyū is the sound of a whooshing wind.”
“First, we experience. Then we reflect. There are things that can’t be learned without being directly experienced. On the mountain, the mountain is the teacher.”
“Imperfection is not a compromise.
We need to trust and accept and be willing to say, I don’t know it all, but I don’t need to know it all. I know enough. I don’t have it all, but I don’t need to have it all. I have enough. And I am not all things to all people, but I don’t need to be all things to all people. I am doing my best to be all I can be to those who really matter. I am enough.
This does not mean having no goals or ambition and giving up, nor is it to suggest that striving for something is a bad thing. It’s about getting really clear on why we want what we really want, outside of materialistic desires for the accumulation of stuff and the pressure of expectation from others.”
“But this is what we do. The better we get at something the more we widen our field of vision. We move from puddle to pond, from pond to sea. The ideal is always changing, and as long as we use that as motivation to do more quality, heart-and-soul work, that’s fine. But when it becomes an exercise in comparison it’s a dangerous place to be. I’m not saying you should settle for the puddle. I’m saying you might be happy in the pond, and that’s OK if that’s where you do your best. You might feel destined for the sea, and that’s fine too. Just be sure you go there for the right reasons.”
“The true beauty is not in the achievement of some kind of perfection, but rather in the sharing of the creation itself.”
“But let’s also be mindful of all that we celebrate – who we are, not just what we achieve, giving credit to the effort, as well as the wins.”
“The thing to remember is this: someone else’s success does not hinder your chances of achieving what you want. Their success may even open up new opportunities for you and others. They will walk their path; you are supposed to walk yours.”
February 10, 2022
💀 DNF at 33%. Because
The end.
March 14, 2024
وقتی گرسنه میشوید غذا بخورید و قلب خودتان را سرشار از حس خوب کنید. گاهی ممکن است در طول زندگی تشنه شوید که در این صورت میتوانید با نوشیدن مقداری آب، حس ناخوشایند تشنگی را از پنجرههای قلب خارج کنید. اگر احساس خستگی داشتید روی تخت سفالی که با پر قو و برگ درخت پر شده است دراز بکشید و آرامش را وارد روح خود کنید. هوای تازه استشمام کنید، چون هوای آلوده برای سلامتی مضر است و هوای پاکیزه بسیار خوب است.
اگر در شهرهای شلوغ زندگی میکنید، کافی است به روستاهای خلوت و سرسبز مهاجرت کنید و ادامهٔ زندگیتان را با حس خوب بگذرانید. ژاپنیها از معدود مردمانی هستند که در حمام خود آینه قرار میدهند. اگر دوست دارید قلبتان سرشار از حس شادی باشد و مشکل اعتمادبهنفس دخترها نسبت به بدنشان حل شود، در حمام خود آینه قرار دهید. اگر مشغله و درگیریهای زیادی دارید کمی از آنها فاصله بگیرید و با کشیدن چند نفس عمیق، همهچیز را سر و سامان دهید.
وابیسابی درسهای سادهای برای زندگی دارد و به ما یاد میدهد که اگر مشکلی داریم کافی است مشکل را حل کنیم و سرشار از حس خوب شویم. اگر نمیتوانیم مشکل را حل کنیم، کافی است در این دنیای پر از هیاهو با آرامش زندگی کنیم و دریچههای قلب را بهروی شادی بگشاییم.
September 20, 2022
با عشق و حس سرشار بودن از خوندن این کتاب بهش ۵ ستاره میدم.به نظرم این کتابو باید چندبار دیگه بخونم که خط فکریا و آگاهی هایی که میده برام درونی سازی شه.
به نظرم بهترین توصیف از این کتاب روی جلد نوشته شده:
بینشی ژاپنی در مورد زندگی نه چندان بی نقص ولی کامل.
این کتاب بهتون کمک میکنه توی ریتم سریع و تند زندگی امروزی که خیلی از اهداف و ارزشها از بیرون به آدما القا میشه و خیلی وقتا فرصت فکر کردنو میگیره ، ریتم زندگی رو آهسته کنید و ببیند واقعن فردیت شما چیه،چه چیزی احساس زنده بودن و ارزش رو به زندگیتون میده و راهکارایی درانتهای کتاب ارائه میکنه که این اهداف واقعی و شخصی خودتونو توی زندگیتون بارز تر کنید.
به نظرم بهترین توصیف از این کتاب روی جلد نوشته شده:
بینشی ژاپنی در مورد زندگی نه چندان بی نقص ولی کامل.
این کتاب بهتون کمک میکنه توی ریتم سریع و تند زندگی امروزی که خیلی از اهداف و ارزشها از بیرون به آدما القا میشه و خیلی وقتا فرصت فکر کردنو میگیره ، ریتم زندگی رو آهسته کنید و ببیند واقعن فردیت شما چیه،چه چیزی احساس زنده بودن و ارزش رو به زندگیتون میده و راهکارایی درانتهای کتاب ارائه میکنه که این اهداف واقعی و شخصی خودتونو توی زندگیتون بارز تر کنید.
October 18, 2021
کتابی مناسب این روزهام بود.نیاز داشتم یکی بهم بگه آروم باش، در لحظه زندگی کن، به جزییات اطرافت دقت کن...
نویسنده میگه: هر موقع احساس اضطراب و نگرانی یا گم گشتگی داشتید به حقایق زمان حال متوسل شوید.
نویسنده میگه: هر موقع احساس اضطراب و نگرانی یا گم گشتگی داشتید به حقایق زمان حال متوسل شوید.
February 9, 2023
خوندن این کتاب منجر شد سرشار از حس لذت بشم.
سرعت زندگیم رو کم کنم و به ��زییات توجه کنم و حتی از چیزهای کوچک هم لذت ببرم.قدردان داشته هام باشم و بدونم هیچ چیز تو دنیا نه بینقصه نه همیشگی.
سرعت زندگیم رو کم کنم و به ��زییات توجه کنم و حتی از چیزهای کوچک هم لذت ببرم.قدردان داشته هام باشم و بدونم هیچ چیز تو دنیا نه بینقصه نه همیشگی.
January 7, 2023
At the risk of sounding harsh and unfair, I am giving this book a lukewarm 2 stars... The core philosophy of the book is interesting, and I enjoyed the author's Japanese pronunciation very much (yes random and weird comment, I know) but other than that, I was left unimpressed. I had 3 main issues with this book:
1) Its approach to the "imperfect is perfect" philosophy is too superficial, with frequent repetitions of the phrase but little in depth exploration of the concept. I may be biased since I am not unfamiliar with the Japanese culture myself, and maybe expected too much out of a book whose purpose seems to be to introduce westerners to an eastern culture.
2) The Japanese references (which were way too many and way too specific) made this book sound like a fan girl's serenade to Japan and Japanese culture, adding little to the actual content.
3) The advice and "tools" provided to implement the "imperfection is perfection" philosophy are almost non existent limited to 2-3 generic questions at a time, and yet frustratingly the author keeps referring back to them in every chapter (as if they are the most helpful part of the book)!
1) Its approach to the "imperfect is perfect" philosophy is too superficial, with frequent repetitions of the phrase but little in depth exploration of the concept. I may be biased since I am not unfamiliar with the Japanese culture myself, and maybe expected too much out of a book whose purpose seems to be to introduce westerners to an eastern culture.
2) The Japanese references (which were way too many and way too specific) made this book sound like a fan girl's serenade to Japan and Japanese culture, adding little to the actual content.
3) The advice and "tools" provided to implement the "imperfection is perfection" philosophy are almost non existent limited to 2-3 generic questions at a time, and yet frustratingly the author keeps referring back to them in every chapter (as if they are the most helpful part of the book)!
April 8, 2019
This is a book that seduced me with the cover and has inspired me with the contents!!
I found this to be a little gem of a book full of wonderful little anecdotes and genuinely useful hints and advice on how to achieve your own little piece of 'wabi sabi' in your day to day life - even the smallest of chores can bring joy if you look at them differently and that is a big theme running throughout this little book - it seems to be about how you look at a situation and how then to deal with it. Life isn't going to be perfect all the time, and I think a lot of self help books talk down to the reader by getting them to try and achieve this fantasy lifestyle. But that wasn't the message I gleamed from this book - it looks in to the Japanese way of life and the people, their affinity with nature and the slower pace of life that seems to bring happiness to their lives through the smallest things that many of us take for granted, or even miss noticing altogether.
There are personal stories from the author about their time in Japan which gives a good insight into living there day to day, alongside helpful hints on making your life work a little better for you by slowing down and to stop trying to live the perfect 'unreal life' - humans get pleasure from many different things so find what makes you happy and do more of that!
There are also tips on how to declutter - much needed for me and hopefully will help me learn to let go of things more easily - as well as looking at the subjects of finance, work, relationships and home and applying 'wabi sabi' to those elements of your life.
A wonderful little book!
I found this to be a little gem of a book full of wonderful little anecdotes and genuinely useful hints and advice on how to achieve your own little piece of 'wabi sabi' in your day to day life - even the smallest of chores can bring joy if you look at them differently and that is a big theme running throughout this little book - it seems to be about how you look at a situation and how then to deal with it. Life isn't going to be perfect all the time, and I think a lot of self help books talk down to the reader by getting them to try and achieve this fantasy lifestyle. But that wasn't the message I gleamed from this book - it looks in to the Japanese way of life and the people, their affinity with nature and the slower pace of life that seems to bring happiness to their lives through the smallest things that many of us take for granted, or even miss noticing altogether.
There are personal stories from the author about their time in Japan which gives a good insight into living there day to day, alongside helpful hints on making your life work a little better for you by slowing down and to stop trying to live the perfect 'unreal life' - humans get pleasure from many different things so find what makes you happy and do more of that!
There are also tips on how to declutter - much needed for me and hopefully will help me learn to let go of things more easily - as well as looking at the subjects of finance, work, relationships and home and applying 'wabi sabi' to those elements of your life.
A wonderful little book!
January 1, 2022
ผมคิดว่าหนังสือเล่มนี้เป็นทั้งหนังสือปรัชญาตะวันออกและหนังสือ self-improvement
เมื่ออ่านจบ ผมได้เลนส์ในการมองชีวิตมองโลกแบบใหม่ที่ชื่อว่าะ “วะบิ ซะบิ”
ทั้งการดำเนินชีวิต ทั้งการดำรงชีวิต ทั้งความสัมพันธ์ ทั้งการทำงาน
ล้วนใช้ปรัชญา วะบิ ซะบิ มาจับได้ ไม่ใช่แค่เรื่องศิลปะเท่านั้น
แปลกดีเหมือนกัน ���รัชญาที่แสดงถึงความไม่สมบูรณ์ ความไม่จีรัง ความเนิบช้าที่รื่นรมย์อยู่กับความเก่าคร่ำคร่า และไม่สมบูรณ์ของสิ่งต่าง กลับออกมาจากประเทศที่มีเทคโนโลยีที่กลดีที่��ุดประเทศหนึ่ง
ที่สำคัญคือคนเขียนเป็นไกจินชาวต่างชาติจากโลกตะวันตก แต่กลับหลงไหลในปรัชญาตะวันออกอย่าง วะบิ ซะบิ และนำมาถ่ายทอดออกมาได้อีกต่างหาก
แม้เข็มนาฬิกาจะเดินด้วยอัตราเท่าเดิม แต่เวลาที่อ่านเหมือนจะเดินช้าลง ซึมซับกับความไม่สมบูรณ์รอบกาย
เก้าอี้ที่มีรอยถลอกจากแมวข่วน พื้นกระเบื้องที่มีร่องรอยการลากเก้าอี้ ประตูตู้ที่มีรอยจำซ้ำแล้วซ้ำเล่า โซฟาที่มีรอยยุบตรงกลางจากการนั่งซ้ำที่เดิม หินลับมีดที่เริ่มสึกกร่อน
โอ้ วะบิ ซะบิ
เมื่ออ่านจบ ผมได้เลนส์ในการมองชีวิตมองโลกแบบใหม่ที่ชื่อว่าะ “วะบิ ซะบิ”
ทั้งการดำเนินชีวิต ทั้งการดำรงชีวิต ทั้งความสัมพันธ์ ทั้งการทำงาน
ล้วนใช้ปรัชญา วะบิ ซะบิ มาจับได้ ไม่ใช่แค่เรื่องศิลปะเท่านั้น
แปลกดีเหมือนกัน ���รัชญาที่แสดงถึงความไม่สมบูรณ์ ความไม่จีรัง ความเนิบช้าที่รื่นรมย์อยู่กับความเก่าคร่ำคร่า และไม่สมบูรณ์ของสิ่งต่าง กลับออกมาจากประเทศที่มีเทคโนโลยีที่กลดีที่��ุดประเทศหนึ่ง
ที่สำคัญคือคนเขียนเป็นไกจินชาวต่างชาติจากโลกตะวันตก แต่กลับหลงไหลในปรัชญาตะวันออกอย่าง วะบิ ซะบิ และนำมาถ่ายทอดออกมาได้อีกต่างหาก
แม้เข็มนาฬิกาจะเดินด้วยอัตราเท่าเดิม แต่เวลาที่อ่านเหมือนจะเดินช้าลง ซึมซับกับความไม่สมบูรณ์รอบกาย
เก้าอี้ที่มีรอยถลอกจากแมวข่วน พื้นกระเบื้องที่มีร่องรอยการลากเก้าอี้ ประตูตู้ที่มีรอยจำซ้ำแล้วซ้ำเล่า โซฟาที่มีรอยยุบตรงกลางจากการนั่งซ้ำที่เดิม หินลับมีดที่เริ่มสึกกร่อน
โอ้ วะบิ ซะบิ
February 24, 2024
نقطه مقابل depression کلمه connection هست…یعنی برای گذر از افسردگی که قطع شدن ارتباط فرد از زندگی و حال هست ،باید به زندگی وصل شد،به حال و اتفاقات روزمره هرچند کوچک و بی اهمیت…وصل شد و زندگی کرد 🩵این کتاب یاداور خوبی بود که زیبایی در نقص هست…
January 15, 2022
Actual rating: 1.5
Decent but this seems more westernized to me.
Decent but this seems more westernized to me.
July 1, 2022
در یک کلام: تکرار مکررات.
کتاب میتونست در نهایت ۵۰ صفحه خلاصه بشه. بعضی از قسمتهای کتاب حالت "انگیزشی" پیدا میکرد که واقعا اتلاف وقت بود.
کتاب میتونست در نهایت ۵۰ صفحه خلاصه بشه. بعضی از قسمتهای کتاب حالت "انگیزشی" پیدا میکرد که واقعا اتلاف وقت بود.
December 9, 2020
Wabi Sabi is to see life, yourself and eachother for the perfectly imperfect treasures that we are, this peaceful gentle little book teaches you all you need to know about this Japanese way of life and brings a little peace and a calming effect onto your soul as you read it.
Lessons and quotes to be learned from this book:
Be content with less
Less stuff, more soul
Less hustle, more ease
Less chaos more calm
Less mass consumption more unique creation
Less complexity more clarity
Less judgment more forgiveness
Less bravado more truth
Less resistance more resilience
Less control more surrender
Less head more heart .
Wabi sabi represents a precious cash of wisdom that values tranquility harmony beauty and imperfection.
The forest doesn't care what your hair looks like, the mountains don't move for any job title, the rivers keep running regardless of your social media following, your salary or your popularity, the flowers keep on blooming weather or not you make mistakes.
Nature just is and welcomes you just as you are.
We don't need to push all the time, every push needs a pull, every expansion needs a contraction, every effort needs a rest. There are times for creating and times for seeking inspiration, times for noise and times for silence, times to focus and times to dream ebb and flow, wax and wane.
I don't have it all, but I don't need to have it all, I have enough, and I'm notall things to all people but I don't need to be all things to all people, I'm doing my best to be all I can to those who really matter.
Sometimes when the head cannot find the answer the heart knows the way.
Humility and gentleness are met with Humility and gentleness, no drama, no stress
Just kindness.
Set intentions, show up to practice and do our best and then trust. (Sometimes after all your training your body knows what to do but your mind won't allow it to do, that's why you need to let go, it's when we let go and trust that the magic really begins to happen). We can set intentions and show up for practice but there comes a point where we just have to trust and allow things to fall into place in good time. Surrender
There's no one percent career path, your path might contain several different careers each supporting your priorities as you move through the cycle of your life.
The way you get to your results matters more than the results you get.
Lessons and quotes to be learned from this book:
Be content with less
Less stuff, more soul
Less hustle, more ease
Less chaos more calm
Less mass consumption more unique creation
Less complexity more clarity
Less judgment more forgiveness
Less bravado more truth
Less resistance more resilience
Less control more surrender
Less head more heart .
Wabi sabi represents a precious cash of wisdom that values tranquility harmony beauty and imperfection.
The forest doesn't care what your hair looks like, the mountains don't move for any job title, the rivers keep running regardless of your social media following, your salary or your popularity, the flowers keep on blooming weather or not you make mistakes.
Nature just is and welcomes you just as you are.
We don't need to push all the time, every push needs a pull, every expansion needs a contraction, every effort needs a rest. There are times for creating and times for seeking inspiration, times for noise and times for silence, times to focus and times to dream ebb and flow, wax and wane.
I don't have it all, but I don't need to have it all, I have enough, and I'm notall things to all people but I don't need to be all things to all people, I'm doing my best to be all I can to those who really matter.
Sometimes when the head cannot find the answer the heart knows the way.
Humility and gentleness are met with Humility and gentleness, no drama, no stress
Just kindness.
Set intentions, show up to practice and do our best and then trust. (Sometimes after all your training your body knows what to do but your mind won't allow it to do, that's why you need to let go, it's when we let go and trust that the magic really begins to happen). We can set intentions and show up for practice but there comes a point where we just have to trust and allow things to fall into place in good time. Surrender
There's no one percent career path, your path might contain several different careers each supporting your priorities as you move through the cycle of your life.
The way you get to your results matters more than the results you get.
December 12, 2023
"You're perfectly imperfect just as you are." and that is a very good thing.
December 7, 2020
Wabi Sabi is the philosophy of wasting my time.
April 20, 2022
عالی بود و به من کمک مهمی کرد که نقص رو بپذیرم و دنبال کامل بودن برای لذت بردن نباشم.
April 16, 2022
برای من فصل هفتم شبیه کتابای زرد انگیزشی بود. خورد توی ذوقم. ولی در مجموع کتاب خوبی بود و ارزشمند.
January 4, 2024
Beth's wonderful book Wabi Sabi allows you to invite some authentic Japanese pearls of wisdom into your life without having to shell out for the airfare. Wabi Sabi is well-researched and insightful, full of wonderful personal anecdotes and experiences, and is written by someone who has clearly immersed herself into Japanese culture far beyond a typical western visitor might do. This book gives practical information and ideas on accepting imperfection, embracing nature, and lots of lovely tips to make you pause and appreciate things just the way they are. It's a delightful read. Highly recommended!
December 2, 2022
هر وقت کتاب رو میخوندم یه آرامش خاصی بهم میداد.. اینکه هر چیزی همونجور که هست زیباست.. اینکه لزومی نداره انقدر سریع بری که برسی.
لذتبردن از مسیر و گذر زمان هم قشنگه!
لذتبردن از مسیر و گذر زمان هم قشنگه!
January 3, 2023
"Pause, attention, tune in and be open to wonder"
- @bethkempton | Wabi Sabi
☕ In my personal experience, since I read Ikigai, a doorway of simplistic learning has opened up in my life and I constantly find myself attracted books in this category, I read The little book of Hugge last year and now I came across Wabi Sabi n immediately decided this to be my 1st book of the year.
☕ The book starts with the concept introduction, moving to the instances where you may experience Wabi Sabi, to a transactional path that can help yourself be aware enough to recognise them in your day to day life.
☕ The writing is short n smooth enough for you to grasp the concept. There are also clearly defined questions that you can ask yourself and get a kickstart into this journey. Specially related to ones career.
☕ A part that left a lasting impression: The sections of how you actually react to people you hate - how out mind creates an opinion and then starts looking for instances to support that opinion as a proof that yes, we were right!
Genre: #nonfiction #selfhelp #philosophy
Rating: 4/5 ⭐
- @bethkempton | Wabi Sabi
☕ In my personal experience, since I read Ikigai, a doorway of simplistic learning has opened up in my life and I constantly find myself attracted books in this category, I read The little book of Hugge last year and now I came across Wabi Sabi n immediately decided this to be my 1st book of the year.
☕ The book starts with the concept introduction, moving to the instances where you may experience Wabi Sabi, to a transactional path that can help yourself be aware enough to recognise them in your day to day life.
☕ The writing is short n smooth enough for you to grasp the concept. There are also clearly defined questions that you can ask yourself and get a kickstart into this journey. Specially related to ones career.
☕ A part that left a lasting impression: The sections of how you actually react to people you hate - how out mind creates an opinion and then starts looking for instances to support that opinion as a proof that yes, we were right!
Genre: #nonfiction #selfhelp #philosophy
Rating: 4/5 ⭐
August 18, 2021
As someone who has delved into the topics of happiness and aestheticism a lot lately, I figured a book on wabi sabi would be right up my alley. Instead what I got was a book that was sometimes on topic, but mostly skewed with the author’s ego-filled anecdotes that sometimes lasted pages and gave me little insight into the heart of wabi sabi. On completing this book, I find myself further from understanding it’s core concept than ever.
August 19, 2019
An interesting way of looking at life but I feel some bits kinda dragged on where it wasn't needed. I also wasn't sure if this book was meant to be a self help kinda book or something else entirely? Still, it was a book that made me sit and ponder at times.
September 1, 2024
ما ناپایدار و میرا هستیم
درست مثل همه کسانی که دوستشان داریم و هرچیزی که در دنیای اطرافمان وجود دارد. ما تا ابد زنده نخواهیم ماند. حتی ممکن است عمر طولانی هم نداشته باشیم.
زندگی بسیار ارزشمند است اما گذراست. این بر عهده ماست که در هربرهه از زمان بهترین خودمان را نشان دهیم و بیشترین بهره را از آن ببریم. بیاید از همین جایی که همین الان حضور داریم شروع کنیم.
خوندن این کتاب تقریبا ۴ ماه طول کشید اما میتونم بگم سختی ماجرا اویلش بود که درواقع سه ماه طول کشید تا فقط دو فصل اولو بخونم، یجوری پیش میرفت که اصلا فکر نمیکردم ازش خوشم بیاد، اما جالب اینکه از فصل ۳ تا ۸ رو تو کمتر از یه ماه خوندم.
راستش از جایی که اشنایی با طبیعت شروع شد شیفته ش شدم. شیفته کتاب و سبک زندگی ژاپنی ها، واقعا بیراه نیست که میزان رضایت از زندگی توی ژاپنی ها انقدر بالاست. شاید یکی از دلایل اصلیش همین باشه، زندگی در حال، لذت بردن از داشته های کوچیک و بزرگ، مغتنم شمردن لحظات، وابسته نبودن به هیچ چیز و سادگی…
بهش ۳ امتیاز میدم بخاطر شروع سختش اما ادامه جذابش و درسای جالبی که بهم یاد داد.
درست مثل همه کسانی که دوستشان داریم و هرچیزی که در دنیای اطرافمان وجود دارد. ما تا ابد زنده نخواهیم ماند. حتی ممکن است عمر طولانی هم نداشته باشیم.
زندگی بسیار ارزشمند است اما گذراست. این بر عهده ماست که در هربرهه از زمان بهترین خودمان را نشان دهیم و بیشترین بهره را از آن ببریم. بیاید از همین جایی که همین الان حضور داریم شروع کنیم.
خوندن این کتاب تقریبا ۴ ماه طول کشید اما میتونم بگم سختی ماجرا اویلش بود که درواقع سه ماه طول کشید تا فقط دو فصل اولو بخونم، یجوری پیش میرفت که اصلا فکر نمیکردم ازش خوشم بیاد، اما جالب اینکه از فصل ۳ تا ۸ رو تو کمتر از یه ماه خوندم.
راستش از جایی که اشنایی با طبیعت شروع شد شیفته ش شدم. شیفته کتاب و سبک زندگی ژاپنی ها، واقعا بیراه نیست که میزان رضایت از زندگی توی ژاپنی ها انقدر بالاست. شاید یکی از دلایل اصلیش همین باشه، زندگی در حال، لذت بردن از داشته های کوچیک و بزرگ، مغتنم شمردن لحظات، وابسته نبودن به هیچ چیز و سادگی…
بهش ۳ امتیاز میدم بخاطر شروع سختش اما ادامه جذابش و درسای جالبی که بهم یاد داد.
August 27, 2018
Wabi sabi is a feeling, not a style. Wabisabi -styled-home does not make sense to me.
I agree with the idea that everyone is capable of feeling wabisabi, but wabisabi I feel is mostly in the context of and reference in Japan. Isn't it just 'feeling content' rather than 'wabisabi'? Without historical/cultural relation, I find it hard to feel wabisabi, personally.(I am Japanese.)
Well researched. It's much better than famous Ikigai book, at least.
I agree with the idea that everyone is capable of feeling wabisabi, but wabisabi I feel is mostly in the context of and reference in Japan. Isn't it just 'feeling content' rather than 'wabisabi'? Without historical/cultural relation, I find it hard to feel wabisabi, personally.(I am Japanese.)
Well researched. It's much better than famous Ikigai book, at least.
October 7, 2022
بینش ژاپنی درباره زندگی نه چند��ن بی نقص ولی کامل
"خلاصه خوانی"
پانزدهم مهرماه1401
"خلاصه خوانی"
پانزدهم مهرماه1401
April 30, 2023
بعضی کتابارو از همون اول که میخریشون متوجه میشی اشتباه کردی و با سلیقت جور نیست .
Read
June 21, 2020Wabi Sabi by Beth Kempton is a self-help book that tries to explain how a Japanese philosophy can help people look at their own lives from a different perspective. Kempton spends the first half of the book providing context and explanations. The second half spends more time on the self-help aspects.
I enjoyed the personal stories Kempton included, which I thought helped build some credibility. Cultural ideas can get easily distorted during the translation process, so it helps to see that the author had more than a tourist's understanding of Japanese culture. The idea of wabi-sabi is not new, but Kempton's way of presenting it helped remind me to be less critical of myself and the world around me. I particularly like her emphasis on nature and time. I tend to move at the pace of technology instead of the other way around, but while I was reading, I was reminded to slow down. I remembered that silence and contemplation can be more impactful than many explanations. And, each moment is valuable because it will not come again. Overall, I liked it for a self-help book because it helped me reflect rather than follow a to-do list.
I enjoyed the personal stories Kempton included, which I thought helped build some credibility. Cultural ideas can get easily distorted during the translation process, so it helps to see that the author had more than a tourist's understanding of Japanese culture. The idea of wabi-sabi is not new, but Kempton's way of presenting it helped remind me to be less critical of myself and the world around me. I particularly like her emphasis on nature and time. I tend to move at the pace of technology instead of the other way around, but while I was reading, I was reminded to slow down. I remembered that silence and contemplation can be more impactful than many explanations. And, each moment is valuable because it will not come again. Overall, I liked it for a self-help book because it helped me reflect rather than follow a to-do list.
Read
December 24, 2020In this year of lockdowns, the two things I have missed the most are meeting my parents and traveling. Often, I find myself scrolling through my album to savour a moment from an evening in Koya San, or a shivering afternoon in Khiva. Somehow, life has continued to remain fast paced even in a small room with a desk. The 13” screen has managed to hold the speed, perhaps has even increased it.
Reading wabi sabi was a reminder to slow down and smell the flowers, or the air, even the cup of tea in front of me. While reading it, I checked myself from giving in to senseless distractions, or buying something I didn’t need.
But I treasured it less for the reminders and more for transporting me back to Kyoto. To its magical gardens and the magnificent shrines. And long walks on the philosopher’s way. The moments are described in clarity, and somehow Beth also captures the transience of those moments, which make them dearer.
There are a few interesting stories, even some questions for reflections. It is a good introduction to the philosophy of wabi sabi, or consider it a ride for armchair travel to Japan.
Reading wabi sabi was a reminder to slow down and smell the flowers, or the air, even the cup of tea in front of me. While reading it, I checked myself from giving in to senseless distractions, or buying something I didn’t need.
But I treasured it less for the reminders and more for transporting me back to Kyoto. To its magical gardens and the magnificent shrines. And long walks on the philosopher’s way. The moments are described in clarity, and somehow Beth also captures the transience of those moments, which make them dearer.
There are a few interesting stories, even some questions for reflections. It is a good introduction to the philosophy of wabi sabi, or consider it a ride for armchair travel to Japan.
January 5, 2021
"A wabi sabi lens can inspire us to embrace soulful simplicity and treasure what we already have"
Um livro sobre a cultura japonesa e sobre uma maneira bonita de ver e viver.
Confesso que sou apaixonada pela cultura japonesa e ter sido essa a razão que me levou a ler este livro. Foi o livro que mais gostei de ler este ano e, sem dúvida, o que mais me marcou. É um bom companheiro para a pausa do almoço, ou para uma tarde de inverno. É o livro que nos ensina a diferença entre o olhar e o ver; o ouvir e o escutar; e o encontrar a beleza em tudo os que nos rodeia.
Bem estruturado e organizado, possibilita o leitor a lê-lo como um todo ou a utilizá-lo como livro de consulta. Mesmo lendo em inglês, achei a leitura fluída e fácil de entender.
"Nothing last; nothing is finished; nothing is perfect."
Apaixonante, simples e envolvente.
E o melhor? É bonito da capa à contracapa. Uma obra de arte na nossa estante.
Um livro sobre a cultura japonesa e sobre uma maneira bonita de ver e viver.
Confesso que sou apaixonada pela cultura japonesa e ter sido essa a razão que me levou a ler este livro. Foi o livro que mais gostei de ler este ano e, sem dúvida, o que mais me marcou. É um bom companheiro para a pausa do almoço, ou para uma tarde de inverno. É o livro que nos ensina a diferença entre o olhar e o ver; o ouvir e o escutar; e o encontrar a beleza em tudo os que nos rodeia.
Bem estruturado e organizado, possibilita o leitor a lê-lo como um todo ou a utilizá-lo como livro de consulta. Mesmo lendo em inglês, achei a leitura fluída e fácil de entender.
"Nothing last; nothing is finished; nothing is perfect."
Apaixonante, simples e envolvente.
E o melhor? É bonito da capa à contracapa. Uma obra de arte na nossa estante.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 631 reviews