London Writers' Salon

#124: Beth Kempton — Writing Non-Fiction, Turn Life’s Challenges into Creative Fuel, Unlocking Your Intelligent Heart, Fearless Creativity, Navigating Grief

Dec 24, 2024

In this engaging conversation, bestselling author Beth Kempton shares insights from her works like 'Wabi Sabi' and 'Kokoro.' She explores how Japanese philosophy can help writers navigate life’s transitions and embrace creativity. Beth emphasizes the connection between grief, self-discovery, and the intelligent heart. Listeners are encouraged to confront mortality and reflect on life’s questions through deep journaling. She also discusses the importance of letting go of fear in writing and finding joy in the creative process.

53:36

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Episode guests

Beth Kempton

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Beth Kempton illustrates how embracing the concept of Kokoro, or the 'intelligent heart', enables writers to explore deeper emotional truths through their craft.

The podcast discusses midlife transitions and grief, highlighting how writing serves as a tool for processing personal loss and redefining identity.

Listeners are encouraged to ask meaningful questions that prioritize intrinsic values, fostering a more intentional and fulfilling approach to life and creativity.

Deep dives

Understanding Kokoro: The Intelligent Heart

Kokoro, translated as the 'intelligent heart', signifies a deeper intelligence that goes beyond logical reasoning and reveals our innate responses to the world around us. This concept underscores the significance of tapping into this inner wisdom, particularly through writing, where thoughts may flow unpredictably from within. The discussion highlights that when writers explore their feelings on paper, they often touch on hidden aspects of their own experiences. Embracing this connection can lead to profound personal insights and transformations, suggesting that creativity is not just about structured thoughts but a merger of emotion and perception.

Intro

2min

Kokoro and the Journey of Self-Discovery

17min

Embracing Life's Questions

9min

Navigating Creative Structure through Spiritual Symbolism

2min

Embracing Fearlessness in Writing

17min

Embracing Time and Creativity

6min

Bestselling nonfiction author Beth Kempton shares how writers can navigate life’s transition,s embrace impermanence, and unlock fearless creativity by drawing on Japanese philosophy and the profound power of writing.

ABOUT BETH KEMPTON

Beth Kempton’s bestselling titles include Wabi Sabi: Japanese Wisdom for a Perfectly Imperfect Life and Kokoro: Wisdom for a Life Well Lived, https://bethkempton.com/calmchristmas, We Are in This Together and Freedom Seeker. Beth’s books have been translated into 24 languages. Follow Beth on instagram.

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