Wabi sabi: how to appreciate the perfectly imperfect life

“Wabi sabi nurtures all that is authentic by acknowledging three simple realities: nothing lasts, nothing is finished, and nothing is perfect” – Richard Powell

Imperfection is the basic principle of Wabi Sabi, the Japanese philosophy of respecting what is fragile, slightly broken and modest. Wabi Sabi believes things are always more beautiful forbearing the marks of age and individuality. 

What’s in the name?

The word wabi had originally meant the misery and loneliness of living in nature. It’s now used in a much more positive way to express a life that was liberated from the material world. It talks about embracing what you have and who you are.
Sabi had originally meant chill, lean, or withered, denote the marks of aging and wear, which can enhance an object. It refers to the beauty that comes with ages, the noble bloom of time. 
Together these parts create the complete meaning of the acceptance and appreciation of the imperfect and impermanent nature of all things. It is truly about celebrating imperfection

Wabi sabi as a way of life

Wabi sabi can be applied to all aspects of life and challenge us to unlearn our views of beauty and rediscover the intimate beauty in the smallest details. This concept prizes authenticity and teaches us that going beyond imperfections can also be the key to a happier existence. By accepting imperfections and focusing on the blessings hiding in our daily lives, we’ll learn to celebrate the way things are rather than how they should be and to feel content with the things that surround us as well as the things that might be missing. Wabi sabi also underline the importance of nature, organic form and the passage of time.

“Appreciate this and every moment no matter how imperfect, for this moment is your life. When you reject this moment, you reject your life. You don’t have to settle for this moment, you are free to steer a different course, but for now, this moment is yours, so be mindful to make the most of it” – Taro Gold

Five top tips for bringing wabi sabi into our day-to-day lives:

Wabi sabi can help us deal with our own perfectionist tendencies and change our lives for better. Instead of worrying about seeking perfection, we can go forward as we are now, grateful for the state we are in.

We can go with the flow, change and grow.

1. Live in the moment

Life moves on whether we are ready for it or not. Let go of unnecessary thoughts about the past or the future. One good place to start is to simply slow down and start paying attention to the perfectly imperfect moments of beauty throughout the day.

2. Honor simplicity

Wabi sabi is a way of getting back to basics and teach us to pay attention to the things that truly matter to us. 

3. Admire the fleeting beauty 

Beauty is transient; it doesn’t last. Overlap beauty with utility wherever you can, it’s the little things that make a difference in the spaces we live.

4. Accept imperfection 

Just like the ceramic collection, we are not a set because each element is perfect. We are a complete person because of the sum of our combined experiences and characteristics. There is no one else exactly the same. Our authenticity gives us heart and strength.

5. Fall in love with yourself first

Accept your true desires regardless of what other people want. Don’t judge yourself for being too ambitious or not ambitious enough. Practice self-love, compassion, and acceptance. Embrace the perfection of being imperfectly you!