Finding the Beauty in Imperfections and Impermanence

Recently I came across the Japanese phrase:  Wabi Sabi.  I was intrigued to find that it was used to refer not only to art, but also to a way of being in the world.

In Japan the phrase Wabi Sabi is said to have originally been used to describe the ancient tea ceremony with its ritual that helps you connect to the simple and the tranquil.  There was beauty to be found in the modest and humble surroundings of the ceremony, and in the simple, but not flashy, implements used.

Later, artists began to use Wabi Sabi to refer to imperfections found in hand-made or natural items that remind us that nothing is perfect, nothing lasts, and nothing is finished.

More recently, Wabi Sabi is said to be an approach to life that incorporates the artist’s view of objects and applies it to the recognition and appreciation that there is beauty in imperfection. All things change and the cycle of life includes growth, decay, and death. Based on my readings about Wabi Sabi, I will share with you my views of what a Wabi Sabi approach to life would look like.

Wabi Sabi reminds us that there is beauty in the imperfection in the circumstances in your life and the imperfection in yourself and those around you.  In the Wabi Sabi way of life, you are not bothered by imperfections.  You accept what is, even if you think it is a flaw.  The friend who is always late is no less of a friend, so you can accept the tardiness as a predictable behavior.

Part of what makes others interesting is their imperfections.  If we were all the same, life would be boring with semi-robots running around.  You can look at others more objectively without judging what makes them different from yourself.  You recognize that everyone and everything serves a purpose and is therefore perfect in its own way.

With Wabi Sabi you are content with your life and don’t live in a perpetual state of dissatisfaction.  You find balance and contentment with where you are.  You can make do with what you have, so you live modestly, satisfied with life as it is in the present moment.

You recognize the impermanence of all situations, people and things.  You know that all pain or sorrow will pass.  You do not bemoan the experience but look for the lesson that it presents. You know that life is full of change, and that the only meaning things have in your life is what you have placed on them.

You have a greater appreciation of moments of joy for they too are fleeting.  Staying in the moment helps you to fully revel in these times.

You appreciate the beauty found in all that is old or aging as reminders of the natural cycle of growth, decay and death.  With this knowledge in mind, you take time to show appreciation and gratitude to all you meet.

So in my Wabi Sabi life, I say thank you for being a part of my personal work in progress and for allowing me to be a part of your journey.  You are beautiful!