How many of us have wasted precious minutes and hours of our lives obsessing over making sure that something is perfect: ourselves, our homes, our spouses, our children. In the Western World, striving for this kind of perfection is a daily activity but it can be unhealthy and does not jibe well with the idea of loving ourselves the way we are. Instead, the Japanese have a wonderful concept called Wabi-Sabi, which is basically the “art of finding beauty in imperfection”.
According to Japanese architect, Tadao Ando, “wabi-sabi is flea markets, not warehouse stores; aged wood, not Pergo; rice paper, not glass. It celebrates cracks and crevices and all the other marks that time, weather, and loving use leave behind”. To me, it is smile lines vs. plastic surgery, Country Living vs. Traditional Home and potluck dinners vs. fancy restaurants. It is appreciating what we have rather than always striving for something newer and better.
How can we incorporate this more into our daily lives? Try a few of these ideas:
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Complement someone on something that represents their natural beauty, like their eye color, rather than their new blouse.
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Resist the temptation to apologize for your messy house the next time you have a visitor.
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Next time you need a new outfit for an event, see if you can borrow one from a friend and offer to repay the favor.
I hope you can embrace the Wabi-Sabi in your life. I promise you’ll feel happier!
Darcy Ratner and Julie Arnheim
Founders, Rubbingnickels.com
a friend
