“The most profound and enlightening acts have also been the simplest and seemingly menial — such as pulling weeds and folding laundry.”
– Leslie K. Lau, ‘Pulling Weeds, Folding Laundry’
‘Pulling Weeds, Folding Laundry’ by Leslie K. Lau
‘Pulling Weeds, Folding Laundry’ is an ode to seemingly rudimentary moments.
A love letter to the junctures that can stop us in our tracks just as easily as they are overlooked.
A reflection upon the routine instances that happened to change my life.
This book is a meditation on how menial tasks like pulling weeds from the garden and doing the laundry helped shape an approach to life where contentment could be found.
It is through this way of life that I’ve been able to write this book and truly express myself as an artist.
I call this way of life, the art of ‘Practistry.’
Reader Reviews:
“This book covers a dance with cancer then flows into the re-evaluation of life that follows. It would be too easy to say this is a book about Zen Buddhist thinking. It’s a book about the effect of Zen thought. Coming to terms with the ineffable, savouring the Mystery, and the unlimited ways we can assign our own purpose, to the wonder of being alive.
I hold this succinct little book in my hand, knowing it’s a work of wisdom.
So many sentences need to be read twice, such is the scope of the insights. In this age of instruction manuals, there are great teachings here, but no instructions. It’s a snapshot of a life, that causes you to pause and reflect on your own, any recalibration is in accord with your own current flow. Oh, and yes, it’s about Pulling Weeds and Folding Laundry.
You will have to read it to find why this is so influential. Highly recommended.”
— Colin H.
“I enjoyed reading about the author’s daily routine at a temple in Japan. The descriptions are very clear to visualise and I can relate with what the author experienced at each stage of his life journey. A very insightful and spiritual read. A book I would like to share with my family, friends, and people I come across in life.”
— Rumi K.
“I have read this book many times, and each time I read it, I uncover another essential message about centering your life around what is important to you as an individual — having peace of mind is what it does for me. A must read book — you will be inspired!”
— Bill W.
“Wow! I feel like I am there seeing and feeling everything that the author went through, saw, and experienced. It has also made me question or reflect on things in my personal life — and that was only when I was halfway through the book!”
— Lesley F.
“It was an honour and privilege to read your book. It is a great expression of self discovery and finding (as well as the constant pursuit) oneself. I really enjoyed the book and respect the thought behind it being a canvas for your art of self expression. It sits proudly among my bookshelf and I can't wait to read another future book of yours!”
— Thanh G.
“The word that I’d use to describe this book is ‘inspiring.’
It’s inspiring to see someone truly dedicated to their art, living and breathing their truth. I can immediately see it as soon as I open the book. From the words that are carefully chosen, the way the story is told, the precision of the sentences used, even down to the finer details of font size and feel of the book to enhance the reader’s experience.
Thank you for bringing this amazing book to the world and for the inspiration you’ve given me.”
— Will L.
“This book is magnetic. I am loving it. It expresses raw, pure feelings from the heart. To put it simply, it is real.”
— Ana K.
“This book has done wonders for my young adult son facing some tough struggles. Reading it to him during his recovery gave him moments to reflect on how another person’s battles and conquests gave him strength and moments to laugh. He saw the profound beauty in the simplicity of life through mindfulness and capturing the essence of Japanese Buddhism.
Thank you for sharing the spiritual practice, moments of despair and hope. Our memories of his recovery have your book in our timeline. Indeed an inspiration. Hooray to pulling weeds and folding laundry.”
— Gabi
“The one word that comes to mind when I think about this book is ‘moving.’ I found myself nodding along, tearing up, laughing, and feeling a connectedness with the author's experience.
A book that is written simply but eloquently. I have read this book a few times and each time I received new messages and insights.”
— Olivia C.
About Leslie
I am an independent writer and artist based in Sydney, Australia.
I also serve a mentor and meditation teacher.
In 2023, I published my debut solo book, ‘Pulling Weeds, Folding Laundry’.
As a self-taught conceptual artist, I see the experience of life as my canvas, and each action I take the brush strokes upon it.
I live to nurture what I believe to be the innate artistic spirit within me, and through my artistic expression, to support others to do the same.
