Kokoro by Beth Kempton (Storey Publishing)

As we embark on a transformative era, it is crucial that we shift our focus from material growth to spiritual growth, as our very existence hinges on this paradigm shift. The choices we make individually and collectively have far-reaching implications for the future of human society. It is essential that we contemplate how to live in harmony with nature and humanity, making choices that transcend our own existence.

The kokoro, or intelligent heart, is the source of our innate wisdom, untainted by societal pressures and expectations. It is the gateway to our inner wisdom, which guides us in the present moment through felt impulses. By recognizing the wisdom of the kokoro, we can navigate relationships and make life choices that foster ease and freedom. This book is a guide to cultivating a life well lived, informed by the kokoro, and is an invitation to join the author on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth.

Throughout this book, we explore twelve principles for a life well lived, which have been informed by the author's own midlife journey. We take stock of our current situation, confront our mortality, and contemplate how we want to live the remainder of our time on earth. We also learn how to tune into and care for our kokoro, allowing it to guide us daily.

This book is not a collection of quick fixes or life hacks, but rather a thoughtful exploration of the human experience. It is an invitation to step away from the hustle and bustle of daily life and seek a new perspective, allowing clarity to arise naturally. At the end of each chapter, you will find journaling questions to prompt your own inquiry and reflection.

As we journey together, we receive gentle teachings that can guide us back to our inner wisdom. The realization that we must rely on our own kokoro for guidance and stability in an unpredictable world can be a source of strength. This principle is exemplified by the author's own experiences of emotional intensity at times of birth and death.

The kokoro is a sensitivity chamber that can feel everything when our barriers are stripped away. By midlife, the kokoro refuses to be silenced, and this is often reflected in a desire to engage in creative pursuits. This is the kokoro's way of seeking new means to express our deepest longings and wisdom, and to respond to the beauty in the world.

From now on, we dedicate ourselves to honoring longing, presence, and connection, living a creative, slow, and simple life in harmony with the rhythms of the world.

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