The way of Wabi Sabi and you

Wabi Sabi: 

. . . embracing the imperfect . . . 

Wabi Sabi is a Japanese term connoting simplicity and naturalness. More than a phrase, it is a philosophy of appreciation: Appreciating what is blemished, finding beauty there, seeing the exquisite in irregularities (as in aging surfaces; as in things gone awry).

Clay vessels used for tea ceremonies in Japan are said to be Wabi Sabi when they are unadorned and not quite perfect in their construction. Old structures can be seen as Wabi Sabi, more beautiful because of the marks of age and use. A well-worn footpath through native vegetation would be Wabi Sabi. 

The essence of Wabi Sabi is an aspect of all things. Some examples:

In furniture
Shabby chic, popularized by Rachel Ashwell, is sublimely Wabi Sabi. Seeing the magnificence in a weathered table . . . . 

In friendship
Isn’t it the imperfections and quirks that make us appreciate a friend all the more?

In experience
Whose life would you rather read about — someone who skipped only from delight to delight — or someone who banged about a bit, crafting a meaningful life after some stumbles, misadventures even.

We’re often proudest of what we’ve overcome, even if executed badly.

Go forth and revel in your incompleteness, Wabi Sabi-san.

Your imperfect life glows.

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