Reconnecting to my Kokoro

With the sakura season in full bloom, it feels timely to share my thoughts on my latest read, Kokoro by bestselling author and Japanologist, Beth Kempton.

Joining Beth on this pilgrimage, through rural Japan, has revealed insightful truths, deeply-felt wisdom, and wondrous revelations. During this incredible journey, l've also been reminded of the countless times when my heart led me along life's path - gently guiding me in the right direction.

For over twenty years, l've worked as a graphic designer, written morning pages, practiced meditation, and in more recent times, expanded upon my writing, in the personal growth genre.

While all of these activities, undoubtedly, continue to play their part in helping me tap into into my (creative) heart's frequency, l have experienced in recent months a tidal wave of grief, leading in some ways, to the unraveling of my Kokoro connection.

To have Beth Kempton's book come into my life, when l needed it most, has been a blessing. It's taught me how to re-connect to my heart, reminded me of the invisible threads connecting me to life's beauty, and that living a life well lived, stems from within.

l'm grateful to Kokoro for the journey, Japanese wisdom, and personal stories - all enabling me to reconnect to my spirited mindful heart. It has acted as a soothing reminder to follow my heart, to lean into stillness, and wholeheartedly embrace the present moment.

Throughout the days of reading and journaling on this pilgrimage, it feels like Beth has been holding my hand. Her personal stories of loss moving me to tears, her pain touching mine. l feel seen, understood, and softly held.

Enchanted by the enriching Japanese teachings learnt along the way, Kokoro has led me to realise what's important, and to celebrate the journey l've traveled so far. l feel a renewed sense of faith, as l step into the work still to do.

Along the way, l discovered a Japanese term, describing the bardo, referring *to a period of intermediate existence between one's death and rebirth, believed in Buddhist traditions to last for forty-nine days.

How wondrous to discover, it was exactly on the 49th day, after my mum's passing, that my book coach, Tracy Stewart recommended Kokoro as a supportive grief tool. Magic was surely at play.

l was then gifted this beautiful book by my twin-sister, and l am grateful for the wisdom, the truths, the insights it has revealed - a shining light, helping me to return to my truest self.

Through actively participating in the journal sections of this extraordinary book, l have gone on to discover how death, dying and grief has changed me - not to fear or shy away from it, but to embrace its underlying teachings.

As part of the journal explorations, l reflected on my mum's passing, and when visiting the chapel of rest, as the autumn leaves fell to the ground, l heard the word 'courage', come to mind.

It's going to take courage to continue on my path without my mum beside me in the physical realm. There's a life before, and a life after. A world with mum in it, and a world without her here.

My intention - to continue to live a life well lived, shaped by loving kindness, joy and creativity, all which is beautifully connected to the Kokoro.

The time is now, to feel joy in the simple things. To tune into the guidance from my heart.

In Kokoro, Beth writes, the heart grows and changes in every stage of our lives.

Having completed this soothing pilgrimage, it is with much gratitude, l am stepping into my next stage, feeling inspired to expand upon my creative expression, knowing it's okay to let go of who l thought l was, a new acceptance of who l am, who l am meant to be.

l truly believe life and death, can teach you how to live a life well-lived. l have personally found grief can freeze the heart, yet it can also lead us to let go and release.

While exploring my own grief, and reflecting on my creative work during this journey, l have been gently reminded, "The greater the pain, the more we loved and were loved", and "It is through our creative acts that the kokoro is made visible" (Kokoro extracts) ...

l couldn't agree more.

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Thank you Beth Kempton for writing Kokoro, for sharing Japanese wisdom, and your personal stories. You have arrived into my life with perfect universal alignment - a testament to life's flow.

Photograph: Elizabeth Hitchman (April 2025)