• Wabi Sabi

  • Japanese Wisdom for a Perfectly Imperfect Life
  • By: Beth Kempton
  • Narrated by: Beth Kempton
  • Length: 5 hrs and 17 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (34 ratings)

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Wabi Sabi

By: Beth Kempton
Narrated by: Beth Kempton
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Publisher's Summary

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.

©2019 Beth Kempton (P)2019 Hachette Audio UK

Critic Reviews

"A truly transformative read." (Sunday Times)

"More than ever, we need books like this." (Jessica Seaton, Cofounder of Toast and author of Gather, Cook, Feast

What listeners say about Wabi Sabi

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A calming perspective

This book helped me at a time I really to bring some peace to my life. It has inspired me to do some more soul searching and learn more about Japan. A pdf of the tips and prompts in some parts would be helpful.

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Warm your heart

Enjoyed this book immensely. I am certainly going to listen to this a few more times. A
keeper.

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  • Natalya
  • 03-31-20

Thoughtful book

I have listened to the book twice since it takes some time to absorb everything thoroughly and understand the context.
It is richly packed with information about wabi sabi its history and origins and japanese way of appreciating and living in the present moment. I have downloaded the book originally to understand japanese aesthetics but it have affected me since to appreciate nature more even though I already live in the countryside I have caught myself watching the light and shadow changes more and taking wabi sabi principles in improving design of the space. In these strange times of carantine and covid lock down its a great book to listen to on how to enjoy beautiful and simple things in life.

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  • Alex
  • 11-17-19

Beautiful

Absolutely loved this book. I wish with all my heart I could afford to go to Japan. This, as with so much of Japanese culture is as rich as it is fascinating.

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  • Amy Ruth
  • 07-03-19

Such a beautiful , helpful book

Thank you Beth for making the audiobook version if Wabi Sabi . I have just finished my first listen and I’m now on my second. I plan to answer the questions at the end of each chapter. The book contains clear and simple instructions for living a wonderful life but in no way does it make you feel not good enough or does it put you under pressure . Self help at it’s best .

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  • Timothy
  • 06-13-20

a wonderful book that really makes you think

I happened upon wabi-sabi accidentally on the internet, I got this book to find out a little more and I am so glad I read it.

I've been interested in stocism and mindfulness for several year now and this book is an excellent bed partner to those two concepts.

anyone who is struggling with materialism or wants a new lense to see the world through should read this book and enjoy it immensely. thank you to the author.

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  • Theresa Nailartistic_me Dickson
  • 01-26-20

Insightful and beautifully narrated.

I am inspired to live a more beautiful mindful life. Simply perfectly imperfect. Highly recommended.

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  • Catherine Brennan
  • 11-14-19

Wabi Sabi - Loving your imperfect self and the World around us

Beth Kempton, the writer with the most beautiful, calming voice. This book needs to be listened to. You will love it and notice how to catch the moments of your life, how to slow down to be able to see and hear.

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  • Ama
  • 08-31-19

Incredible!

A beautifully written and very inspiring book. Stays with you long after you have finished. I have been fascinated by Japan for years this book is a real treat.

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  • KL
  • 02-23-23

Amazing

Absolutely fantastic. Gentle lessons for life. I will revisit this book often! Life transforming book. Thank you.

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  • Welmarie M.
  • 01-22-23

A concept worth exploring deeper.

Loved the storytelling behind the concept of Wabi Sabi. Definitely something to reflect upon.

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  • P. GRAY-MELE
  • 01-12-23

I LOVED IT

I wish I had only known about this book in my early thirties. I have been through so much and what I found this book to be (hearing it in my mid forties) is that it has affirmed that in actual fact my life choices and my appreciation for certain things and ways of doing things is mostly wabi sabi and there’s nothing wrong with that. It was poignant, reflective, soothing and so helpful.
So lovely to have had Beth Kempson also narrate it.
Beautiful. I recommended it today to my counsellor on the last day of my session and he said this recommendation was a lovely parting gift to him and that he couldn’t wait to read it.

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  • Nerrise
  • 12-28-22

Accessible and inspiring reading

Beth is wonderful, in her journey to discover the essence of Wabi Sabi. I felt encouraged to open myself up to a new way of being in the world, with practical tips on how to action this beautiful change.

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  • nittaya
  • 04-06-22

Love it

Just what I need for my perfectly imperfect life. A gentle reminder of being in the moment and finding happiness every where I am and every stage of life I am in. Love the reader’s calming and sincere voice.

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  • Amazon Customer
  • 08-23-21

Simply Enjoyable

Just relax and enjoy. Contains a lot of wisdom on simple living and appreciating life instead of chasing fleeting happiness.

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  • Anonymous User
  • 02-20-21

Beautiful Book

I laughed, gasped and cried. This is a beautiful book. Highly recommended. You won't be disappointed.

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  • Anonymous User
  • 09-04-20

Life changing

From the introduction to the final sentence this book takes you on an transformative journey like no other.

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  • Christine Campbell
  • 07-05-20

Wanted to enjoy but didn't

The author/narrator's sweet voice was lovely but I simply could not get into the book. Tried three times and finally skipped through all chapters. It did not cover what I expected it to be about and I found the constant use of the Japanese vocabulary for everything was sadly distracting from the content. Apologies to author.

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  • Boyd
  • 02-25-20

a lovely balance of insight, practice and personal

A lovely Balance of insight, practice and personal accounts draws together a wonderful narrative on an essential concept for peace in modern living.