Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about imperfections – my own and the wider world’s – prompted by reading a great book called ‘Kintsugi Wellness’ by Candace Kumai. Kintsugi makes a virtue of imperfection by filling cracks in old china with powdered gold.
Wabi-sabi is closely related to Kintsugi. In a world often obsessed with perfection, Wabi-sabi offers a refreshing and profound perspective. Rooted in Zen Buddhism and traditional Japanese aesthetics, wabi-sabi is the art of finding beauty in imperfection and transience. It’s a concept that invites us to slow down, appreciate the simple moments, and find grace in the natural cycle of growth and decay.
The Essence of Wabi-sabi
Wabi-sabi is a combination of two distinct, yet interconnected ideas:
- Wabi originally referred to the loneliness of living in nature, remote from society; over time, it has come to mean a humble and simple aesthetic that is rooted in nature.
- Sabi means “the bloom of time”. It refers to the beauty or serenity that comes with age, when the life of the object and its impermanence are evident in its patina and wear.
Together, Wabi-sabi embodies a worldview that accepts and appreciates the impermanent, imperfect, and incomplete nature of life. It is an antidote to the fast-paced, mass-produced, and often superficial qualities of the modern world.
The principles of Wabi-sabi in meditation
- Imperfection: Embrace flaws. Wabi-sabi celebrates the cracks, scratches, and signs of wear that come with use and time. This principle teaches us to see beauty in what is often overlooked or discarded. When we are in meditation we can ’embrace’ the flaws, thoughts, or distractions and remain non-judgmental of our practice.
- Impermanence: Everything is transient. Wabi-sabi reminds us that nothing lasts forever and we are always changing. This awareness of the fleeting nature of all things in our meditation practice encourages us to cherish each small moment with gratitude and appreciate the here and now.
- Incompleteness: Find beauty in the unfinished. Wabi-sabi appreciates the idea that things are always in a state of becoming, that they are never truly complete. This principle can be applied to our daily meditations and encourages a sense of openness and possibility.
Wabi-sabi in everyday life
Incorporating Wabi-sabi into your daily life can bring a sense of peace and mindfulness. Here are some ways to do so:
- Mindfulness meditation: Practice mindfulness meditation by being present and appreciating the moment. Notice the small details in your surroundings that you might usually overlook, like the texture of a leaf or the sound of rain.
- Creativity: Embrace imperfection in your creative endeavors. Whether it’s journal writing, or cooking, allow for mistakes and see them as part of the process rather than flaws.
- Gardening: Create a garden that celebrates the natural growth and decay of plants. Allow for wild, untamed spaces and appreciate the changing seasons.
The wisdom of Wabi-sabi
Wabi-sabi is more than just an aesthetic; it’s a way of life that fosters a deeper connection with the world around us. By embracing imperfection not only in our lives but in our meditation practice, we can cultivate a sense of humility and gratitude. By accepting impermanence, we can learn to let go and find peace in the present. And by finding beauty in the incomplete, we can open ourselves up to new possibilities and growth.
In a culture that often prioritises perfection and permanence, Wabi-sabi offers a gentle reminder to slow down, appreciate the simple things, and find beauty in the journey rather than the destination. It’s a philosophy that encourages us to live more fully, with a sense of grace and serenity that comes from understanding the true nature of life.