Embracing Wabi-Sabi in My Healing Journey
Life has a funny way of teaching us lessons. For me, healing—both physically and emotionally—wasn’t about finding some perfect, flawless version of myself. Instead, it was about embracing the cracks, the setbacks, and the messy in-between moments. That’s where Wabi-Sabi comes in. This ancient Japanese philosophy celebrates imperfection, impermanence, and the beauty of things that are raw, weathered, and real. Kind of like that one coffee mug I refuse to throw away, despite the chip on the rim. (Hey, it just adds character, right?)
As I worked through my own healing journey, I started seeing Wabi-Sabi everywhere—not just in art or design, but in the way I approached life. And guess what? You can, too.
A Brief (but Interesting) History of Wabi-Sabi
Wabi-Sabi isn’t just about cracked teacups and rustic pottery—it has deep roots in Japanese culture. Originally, it was influenced by Zen Buddhism, with its emphasis on simplicity, imperfection, and the beauty of the natural world. The term itself comes from two words:
Wabi (侘び): A simple, humble beauty that finds elegance in the unpolished and understated.
Sabi (寂び): The passage of time, the natural wear and tear that gives objects (and life) their unique charm.
Together, Wabi-Sabi became a way of seeing the world—one that appreciates the cracks, the rust, the faded paint, and even the bittersweet nature of fleeting moments.
Think of a well-loved book with dog-eared pages or an old leather jacket that fits just right. Wabi-Sabi tells us that these aren’t flaws—they’re what make something truly beautiful.
How to Apply Wabi-Sabi to Your Everyday Life
So how do you actually live Wabi-Sabi? You don’t need to move to a remote mountain temple or start drinking tea in total silence (unless that’s your thing—no judgment). Here are some fun, simple ways to bring a little Wabi-Sabi into your life:
1. Let Go of Perfectionism
Your home doesn’t need to look like a Pinterest board. Your art doesn’t have to be flawless. And guess what? Neither do you. Embrace the messy, the unfinished, the slightly off-kilter—because that’s where the magic is.
2. Appreciate the Beauty of Aging
Whether it’s a vintage jacket, an old piece of furniture, or even (gasp) your own reflection in the mirror—celebrate the signs of time passing. They tell a story, and that story is uniquely yours.
3. Slow Down and Be Present
Wabi-Sabi isn’t about rushing to the next thing. Take a deep breath. Notice the way sunlight filters through your window. Enjoy the slight imperfections in your morning coffee’s foam. Life is happening right now—don’t miss it.
4. Repair Instead of Replace
Have a favorite mug with a crack? Instead of tossing it, try Kintsugi—the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold. (Psst… I’ve got a great Kintsugi Repair Kit recommendation [here]!)
5. Surround Yourself with Meaningful Things
Wabi-Sabi encourages us to choose objects with soul. Forget mass-produced perfection—fill your space with handmade, well-loved, or sentimental pieces that bring you joy.
Best Books on Wabi-Sabi (That You'll Actually Enjoy Reading)
Want to dive deeper into this beautiful philosophy? Here are some fantastic books to get you started:
“Wabi-Sabi: The Japanese Art of Impermanence” by Andrew Juniper – A deep dive into the roots of Wabi-Sabi and how it shapes Japanese aesthetics.
“Wabi Sabi: Japanese Wisdom for a Perfectly Imperfect Life” by Beth Kempton – A lighter, more modern take on how to apply Wabi-Sabi to your daily life.
“The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down” by Haemin Sunim – While not strictly Wabi-Sabi, this book embraces similar themes of mindfulness and appreciating life’s small moments.
Watch The History of Wabi-Sabi by The School of Life.
Final Thoughts: Perfectly Imperfect
Wabi-Sabi isn’t about trying to be anything—it’s about embracing what already is. In my own journey, learning to see beauty in imperfection has been a game-changer. It’s helped me heal, appreciate life more deeply, and (let’s be real) stress way less about the little things.
So, if you’ve ever felt like you’re “not enough” or that your life should be more polished, take a deep breath. Maybe, just maybe, things are exactly as they should be.
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