In a fast-paced world with the ultimate goal of pursuing happiness and goals through perfection, there is a Japanese way of life that teaches us to value beauty in imperfection and accept the more natural cycle of life. As the season changes, let us explore the wabi-sabi philosophy and embrace the impermanent beauty of spring in Japan.
Wabi-sabi is a Japanese way of life that teaches us to embrace imperfection. It reminds us that life, including us, is not constant but rather it is incomplete and imperfect. In most cases, our environment has taught us to aim for perfection in our career, lifestyle, home, people, and even versions of ourselves. Little do we know that as we refuse to come to the truth of our fantasies and chase perfection, it leads us to nowhere but a state of discontentment and instability.
It also teaches about not giving up on self-improvement but focusing on the present and progress of oneself instead of clinging to the ideal self. Just like broken Japanese pottery, we may have some flaws and irregularities, but that does not mean we are not capable of growth, for we are already as special as we are.
Taken individually, wabi and sabi are two concepts that are perfectly combined to teach us to value life from a different angle. Wabi is about recognising the beauty in simplicity. Just like a Japanese home, it detaches us from the vanity of materialism by living in the moment, removing unnecessary objects, and taking the practical things we need.
On the other hand, Sabi is about the passing of time. As things grow, age, and decay, it teaches us to view life in another light by appreciating life's ups and downs. Maybe in our home or any environment, we find beauty in the ordinary, and this helps us live life to the fullest.
As spring starts this year, let us welcome ourselves to accepting new beginnings of finding peace in imperfection. After all, it's all about the process of living in the moment while remembering to move towards our ultimate dream destination.
