Editor’s Note: Awesome article from Helene Hadsell on an age-old Japanese philosophy that I think will do all of us a ton of good. It’s about the imperfections in life and how, instead of fighting against them, we should just enjoy them. One of the best things in life is change, so why not embrace it?
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LIFE… LOVE… LOOKS
Helene Hadsell
WABI SABI has the solution about life, love and looks. It made me realize & appreciate how we should all give it some serious thought.
What is wabi sabi? It is a term that describes the beauty to be found in imperfection. It originated in Japan, where artists will often leave subtle fractures in the glaze of a vase or a rough surface on a bowl as a reminder of the wabi-sabi nature of life. Wabi sabi recognizes that all life is in a constant state of change and that decay is as much a part of life as growth.
The Origins Of Wabi Sabi
The concept originated in 16th-century Japan with the tea ceremony, a ritual that provided a way to step out of the chaos of daily life and reconnect with that, which was simple and tranquil.
Through the centuries, wabi sabi came to mean an approach to life and art that is in harmony with nature, one that values the handmade and rustic, and recognizes the impermanence of life. It encourages us to be respectful of age, both in things and in ourselves, and it counsels us to be content with what we have rather than always striving for more. Wabi sabi has a hint of wistfulness about it.
The first time I heard the term Wasi Sabi was forty years ago from my aunt, who did needle point work. “I always leave a flaw in every picture that I create. I do it to remind myself that I am not perfect, only God is.”
Enjoying Change And The Impermanence of Life
Its meaning didn’t sink in until last week when I looked into the mirror as I was washing my face after a restless night. “My, how cool it is to look so much older!” I thought as I started to laugh.
My journey through life comes with riches and imperfections. Part of me has been observing women at the Senior Citizens Center who I admire and have been aging with grace. Amanda, age 88, who always seems to win at bridge, proves that gray hair can be stylish and sexy. She attracts men like flies-or is it the Oscar de la Renta perfume she dabs behind her ears?
And these days, with economic trials and our culture’s never ending emphasis on success, we could all use something that says it’s OK-even good-to be where you are. Too many people live in a perpetual state of dissatisfaction.
Accept Yourself For Who You Are
Wabi sabi doesn’t mean settling for less than you deserve-and it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t work to improve your situation. Instead it’s about balance and contentment rather than striving for the unattainable. It encourages us to accept our own flaws as well. So you’re not a perfect mother, and your kids aren’t perfect either. Congratulations! Welcome to the human race. And all of those people you think are perfect? They’re likely struggling too.
I know that my moments of joy will pass, but so will my pains and sorrows. I will try to live them, learn their lessons and let them go. And in the meantime, a few laugh lines are my proof that I’ve enjoyed the journey along the way.
For additional information on Wabi Sabi check out the book Wabi Sabi: The Art of Everyday Life by Diane Durston. Diane is the curator of culture, art and education at the Portland Japanese Garden in Oregon.
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What a great philosophy. To notice and appreciate imperfections instead of wishing they weren’t there. I like the idea also of cultivating this habit in an art. Thanks for this idea Helene.
Wonderful article! I‘ve never hear of Wabi Sabi before but sometimes have had thoughts and feelings to see and accept life and changes as this japanese philosophy teaches. It‘s good to know I‘m not alone. Thanks
I lived in Japan and was familiar with this philosophy. It went out of style in Japan and appears to be making a comeback. Japanese for decades threw out anything old, partly due to tradition and partly due to thinking new was better. Americans and other expats started grabbing up the old treasures from their gomi, trash. In the areas where expats lived, they started selling their old things and antiques to them. There is also more of an appreciation for their antiques now. Also, croweded cities in Japan had a lot of unattractive areas and utilities (like US). Wabi sabi helped people cope with finding beauty in the ugliness and chaos. Many disabled people have embraced this term and several articles have been written. A good philosophy, find the small spectable of beauty in the midst of chaos.
The truth never returns void. You can feel it like a warm pitcher of water flowing down your back, relaxing your muscles as it decends. You feel it in your stomach and hear it in your spirit as it resonates throughout
ones being to the core. Welcome to the human race…indeed!
very powerful and enlightening words indeed!
More people need to understand and adopt this philosophy into their own lives. The world would be a better place.