Wabi Sabi Life is a carefully curated serving of the imperfectly beautiful and unconventional from a Western Buddhist with a love of Japanese culture and aesthetics. If you love it, consider supporting me by becoming a paid subscriber for only £1.00 a week. Access more in-depth content, audio meditations, and the whole archive. Be more wabi sabi!
Firstly (and shamelessly) a plug for my new online creative writing workshops. As a Buddhist, mindfulness teacher and writer I have wanted for some time to share all of these with anyone seeking a little calm and creativity in their lives.
Write Mindfulness: Creative Writing Workshops will bring you inspiring online events where we will dive into the world of creative writing and explore the power of mindfulness. This workshop is designed for writers of all levels, from beginners to experienced wordsmiths.We will embark on a journey of self awareness, self-expression and creativity. Through a series of engaging mindfulness exercises and thought-provoking writing themes and prompts, we will learn how to harness the art of mindfulness to enhance our writing skills.
During these monthly workshops, you will have the opportunity to have balanced space for writing, connect with like-minded individuals and share your work (if you'd like to - there is no expectation to do this). I will guide you through various approaches to unlock your imagination, cultivate mindfulness, and tap into your unique writing voice.
Whether you're interested in fiction, poetry, or non-fiction, this workshop will provide you with the tools and inspiration to take your writing to a new level. So, grab your favorite pen and notebook, and get ready to embark on a transformative writing journey from the comfort of your own home!
Reserve your spot now and join me for the Write Mindfulness: Creative Writing Workshops.
The School of Life
I have been hugely inspired this month by Alain de Botton’s School of Life. I heard him speaking on a podcast and he was definitely speaking my language.
The School of Life is devoted to bringing its followers calm, self-understanding, better relationships, deeper friendships, greater effectiveness at work and more fulfilment in your leisure time.
They do this via our articles, books, app, films, therapeutic services and corporate offering.
I was so impressed I bought an annual membership. But they also have a lot of free stuff on YouTube including this overview of their approach. The first rule is imperfection! You can see how it appeals to me.
I have on my book list The School of Life book on Collected Essays and A Therapeutic Library. Plus some of their other books as gifts for friends.
Slow Living Market
Every year I try to go to my local Slow Living Market to seek out some beautiful artisan presents for family and friends. This year’s was just a joy. In future years, when I have more time, I might go along with all my Sashiko offerings.
Last year I made a lot of Sashiko presents for family and friends. This year I am seeking small but beautiful gifts.
About me: I am a Western Buddhist in the Triratna tradition and have been practising since 1986. I have a love and admiration for the simplicity and beauty of Japanese culture and aesthetics which appeals to my zen minded being. I am also a mindfulness and movement teacher, writer, and creative health professional . Life - with all its beautiful imperfections and wonderful messiness - is my practice.
Thank you for your beautiful and inspiring newsletter. I have signed up to The School of Life as I have so enjoyed their free articles but reached my limit. I hope to one day join your creative workshops if they are ever in the evening or weekend due to work. Sending thanks and Metta.