Our world today pushes perfection upon us. Our social networks and social media pile in on top of this drive to be everything, to be the envy of the world, to be perfect, and live the perfect life. Maybe we have this around the wrong way. Perhaps living an imperfect life is more beneficial for us.
The Essence of Wabi Sabi: Unveiling the Japanese Philosophy
In the realm of Japan, an ethereal essence known as Wabi Sabi weaves its subtle magic, unseen yet ever-present. It whispers enchantments through the delicate veins of a teapot's cracked surface, the weathered embrace of an ancient door's wood, the verdant moss caressing a stoic rock, the veil of mist enveloping a landscape in mystery, a cup subtly distorted, or the moon's shimmer reflected upon a tranquil pond.
Embracing Imperfections: A Gateway to True Beauty
At its core, Wabi Sabi is an intuitive dance with ephemeral beauty in the tangible world, mirroring the irreversible current of existence in the ethereal realm. It invites us to immerse ourselves in the fleeting grace that permeates our surroundings—an appreciation for a beauty destined to vanish, or a poignant contemplation of the allure that grows as things age, wane, and adopt a new and enchanting charm.
Beyond landscapes and objects, Wabi Sabi extends its embrace to encompass the essence of humanity itself. It beckons us to honor the imperfections and transience within, illuminating the profound wisdom that true beauty lies not in flawless perfection but in the tapestry of our own imperfect existence.
In a world seduced by fleeting desires and the uniformity of mass production, Wabi Sabi emerges as a resolute sanctuary of discernment. It teaches us to distinguish between our fleeting wants and our genuine needs, guiding us toward a more mindful path. It stands as a potent antidote to the throwaway culture that engulfs us, challenging the notion that happiness resides in disposable possessions and indistinguishable creations.
Wabi Sabi in Everyday Life: Finding Harmony in Imperfection
Each passing day, Wabi Sabi whispers ancient truths, urging us to behold the radiant blessings that shimmer within our lives. It tenderly encourages us to celebrate the exquisite magic of the present moment, liberating us from the yearning for an idealized future. In embracing the essence of Wabi Sabi, we discover a profound beauty that transcends time, enriching our souls with contentment that can only be found in the acceptance and celebration of life's delicate imperfections.
Choosing What Truly Matters: Wabi Sabi as a Guide to a Fulfilling Life
As I get older, I have started to notice that when it comes to life, I feel very much in a dualistic role of both attentive witness and enthusiastic participant. Things appear to me now so much more clearly than they ever did when I was in my teens or 20s.
I know I have a much greater awareness of how things develop and play out as I make the choices I make, all seen through the lens of how the Universe has its big plan for me unfolding. I hold much appreciation for all the choices and decisions I made in my past – good and bad – that have helped shape me on my journey.
All of my interactions and associations with people over the years, all of the joy, laughter, and pleasure they have brought and shared, plus all of the humiliation, pain, and confusion that are mixed in as well, all are intricate pieces of a much bigger puzzle piece. And every piece is equally as important as the next. We can't skip over a certain piece because it is desirable to us, or we don't feel like it. To do so will cause the big puzzle to be incomplete.
For many years I actively tried to avoid things I truly believed I did not want to (or shouldn't have to) experience because my life would have been better without them. Yet if I had not gone through each of these and been a part of these experiences, I would not be the person I am today.
There is nothing wrong with being angry, frustrated, sad, manic, and letdown. It is perfectly fine to explore relationships and experiences that aren't meant for us and then walk away from them when you know it is time to do so. The key is to realise you are making choices and to consciously choose these wholly and with full awareness. Choose all of everything, just to have the experience that is life.
Nurturing the Magic of the Present Moment: Embracing Wabi Sabi's Wisdom
Each morning I wake up knowing the choices I have made in my past and the ones I will make today and into the future are not going to be perfect. But perhaps they might be. Without the benefit of hindsight, who can really say so? But just because on my days when I don't have it all together and I am not impeccably polished all of the time doesn't mean that it isn't perfect in some way
Perhaps the secret is figuring out how to be the best version of yourself and the best human being, even if that concept just looks and feels unusual at times. But how about that just for today you try to embrace all of your weird and uncomfortable feelings.
Who knows…you may end up loving them.
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The information contained above is provided for entertainment purposes only. The contents of this article are not intended to amount to advice on your personal situation and you should not rely on any of the contents of this article. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of this article. The Writer and Shoshin Therapies disclaim all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of this article.
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