Background of Wabi Sabi

Wabi Sabi is a Japanese term which is used to describe a way of life that embraces imperfections of nature and finding beauty in them. Wabi refers to beauty seen in asymmetrical, unequal, uneven, and unbalanced things. An example of Wabi therefore maybe an asymmetrical ceramic bowl or crumpled linen. Sabi on the other hand is the beauty of old things and relates with the impermanence of life through the passage of time. It concentrates on how things grow, age and decay with the passing of time and how its beauty is displayed in items we had perceived as broken or passed by time.
Kintsugi is an ancient art of Wabi Sabi whereby people mend broken objects with liquid gold giving them golden scars. A broken bowl or a tea pot therefore maybe mended by putting the pieces back together using gold fillings. This therefore makes them whole with cracks made of gold giving them an unusual beauty with permanent and imperfect flaws.By embracing these imperfections, we seek to find beauty in these objects which are mostly disregarded and unappreciated.

Embracing Wabi Sabi

it is not only the beauty of the visual objects that we tend to seek but also in our way of life. Wabi Sabi is an unconventional approach to life which adopts principles that change our way of thinking and living. Through adoption of these principles, we change our attitudes with open minds. We accept ourselves and others for who we are without judgement. The Wabi Sabi lifestyle encourages self-acceptance and appreciating such imperfections. We therefore learn to live life as it is and lead positive lives regardless of the situations we are in. It is important to note that it is through our imperfections that we grow. If we were were all born perfect then there would be no need of self-development.Everybody will just be the same from when we first meet them and then when we see them again ten years later. The goal of self-development should therefore not be to change ourselves but rather to work on ourselves so that we can become the best versions of ourselves. We should also keep in mind that growth is relative, the best version of ourselves right now may not be the same in five years. As we learn and grow we are faced with more changes and our concept of reality also changes as we also change internally to the version that fits the present moment. There is therefore no point in time that we can say that we are perfect because then, what is life? Why are you here if not to learn and grow? So learn to love yourself as you are, learn to be less critical with yourself and instead use your imperfections as a canvas to craft your ideal self.

Modern day Wabi Sabi

The Wabi Sabi culture has been incorporated into the modern lifestyle in the form of arts and craftmanship used in home décor. Designers now use the Wabi Sabi interior design to make a room look minimal but expensive, imperfect but beautiful. It finds luxury in imperfect objects which displays beauty and wealth. It is now used in luxurious hotels and homes. Beauty in imperfection is a motto we should all live by. " By encouraging individuals to find beauty in imperfection and appreciate the transient nature of life, Wabi Sabi becames a guiding philosophy for cultivating mindfullness and contentment. Beyond its philosophical aspects, Wabi Sabi influences design and creativity- Ivan Cardona"