Beth Kempton on the slow way of wabi sabi

Sep 4, 2019

In this episode, Brooke McAlary chats with Beth Kempton, an author and Japanologist. They discuss the concept of wabi sabi, how it helps us seek meaning beyond materialism, and its power to change the world. They also explore the beauty of creating moments of slowness in a busy life. The episode covers the contrasts in Japanese culture and Tokyo's atmosphere, the impact of American culture on Japan, and practical advice for mindfulness and embracing failure for growth and learning.

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Introduction

00:00 • 2min

Exploring Contrasts in Japanese Culture and Tokyo's Atmosphere

02:04 • 2min

Beth Kempton and the Concept of Wabi Sabi

04:00 • 5min

Embracing Imperfection and Slow Living

08:56 • 20min

Impact of American culture on Japan after World War II

28:59 • 5min

Practical Advice for Mindfulness and Curiosity

33:43 • 5min

Embracing Failure for Growth and Learning

38:14 • 13min

This season has been an exploration of slow living through a variety of different lenses, looking at what constitutes ‘slow’ from new perspectives.

Today’s episode, the second-last of the season, is no different as Brooke chats with author and Japanologist Beth Kempton about slow living through the lens of Japanese culture. Or more specifically, through the lens of wabi sabi.

Complex to define, wabi sabi is an exploration of acceptance and contentment. An acknowledgement of the true nature of life and as such is a really powerful way of shifting our worldview.

Beth introduces Brooke to this complex nature of wabi sabi and they discuss how the idea of perfect imperfection can impact the way we purchase and consume things, the way we connect with people and the environment around us, and how it’s a welcome respite in a world that calls us to constant comparison and competition.

They discuss whether wabi sabi, or any personal philosophy really, has the power to change the world as well as the beauty of creating and honouring pockets and rituals of slowness in a busy life.

Questions featured in this episode:

What is wabi sabi?
Wabi sabi is the opposite to many of the things harming people and planet – mass consumption, convenience, keeping up with the Joneses etc. Do you think it has the power to change the world?
You write that wabi sabi helps us to seek meaning beyond materialism. How does it do that?
Do you think that contentment – as opposed to outright brilliant happiness – is something worth striving for?
What are some small rituals that we can adopt in to our lives now that help us to bend and stretch time, slowing it down and making it feel abundant?

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