What do we truly define as aesthetic? Something perfect? Flawless?
This Japanese philosophy gives a beautiful plot twist to the book of aesthetics. It is an intuitive appreciation of ephemeral beauty in the physical world that reflects the irreversible flow of life in the spiritual world. In other words, wabi-sabi reflects perfection in imperfection.
It’s not the cherry blossoms, skyscrapers, masks, and blue skies.
It’s the dry leaves, the crumbling foundations, rusting towers, tired eyes, messy hair, spilled coffee, and thunderstorms.
But what’s its essence in our lives?
Kintsugi is the form of art that reflects this philosophy. This means putting broken pottery pieces back together with gold. Metaphorically, the practice is a reminder to stay optimistic when things fall apart. To celebrate the flaws and missteps of life.
This holds the true meaning of wabi-sabi. The acceptance that nothing lasts forever, nothing is finished, and nothing is permanent.
But why don’t we take this on a spiritual level, let alone materialistically? What if we stop trying to aim for the perfect and embrace our imperfections? Stop hiding the scars that shaped us into who we are right now?
If life is the hurricane weaved in a chrysalis- Let us walk right into the storm…For this too shall pass.
