How Wabi-sabi Changed My Life by Pat Rullo
Imagine this – you excitedly go out to your garage to drive off in your brand new car only to find the words HAPPY HAPPY JOY JOY scratched into the shiny black paint. Seriously? Did I pay extra for this positive affirmation? (yes, I know who did it) Or how about the rough dishwasher removal (yes, I know who did it) that chips your oldest and most favorite mug? Or the cat claw scratch on the wooden leg of a not-so-cheap chair? Lots of gnashing of teeth and rough expletives?
Enter Wabi-sabi – Finding Beauty in Imperfection
Wabi-sabi is a traditional Japanese philosophy and aesthetic that embraces the beauty of imperfection, transience, and simplicity. It is a worldview that celebrates the beauty of imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete things, directly contrasting with the Western ideal of perfection. Imperfection is seen not as a flaw but as a unique characteristic that adds depth and richness to an object. Therefore, a wabi-sabi object will have visible marks that are not concealed or disguised but instead celebrated.
Wabi-sabi is all around us, from the cracks in the pavement to the rust on an old gate; it is the essence of imperfection that gives character and depth to everyday objects. For example, stains might appear on your tea cups or saucers when you prepare tea. Instead of discarding these cups, the wabi-sabi philosophy celebrates these stains as proof that the object has been well-used and well-loved over time. It gives a sense of history to the object and tells a story through its stains. It is a reminder to embrace the present moment and appreciate life’s small things.
Furniture can take a beating, so it’s no surprise that scratches or watermarks may appear over time. But, in the wabi-sabi philosophy, these imperfections can add depth and character to an object. Instead of covering up the scratches, they encourage us to appreciate their history.
What about skin blemishes and scars? The wabi-sabi philosophy allows us to celebrate what makes us unique, including so-called imperfections.
With that, can the wabi-sabi mindset be applied to writing too?
Writing is a form of art, and like any art form, it is expressive, creative, and subjective. Wabi-sabi can teach us to embrace and appreciate the imperfections in our writing. Perfectionism can be a stumbling block, often preventing ideas from flowing freely. Wabi-sabi emphasizes the importance of embracing those imperfections, whether in the writing process or the finished product and cherishing them. This philosophy encourages us to let go of our obsession with perfection and instead focus on the beauty of the imperfect. (sorry, but we still need editors)
Another essential element of wabi-sabi is simplicity. This concept can be applied to writing by avoiding the addition of unnecessary details, elaborate language, and attempts to impress others. The art of Wabi sabi reminds us that honesty is also vital in writing. Writing with modesty allows the reader to connect with us on a deeper level, forging a bond of trust and mutual understanding.
Our days are full of opportunities to incorporate a wabi-sabi mindset. It’s like a natural anxiety and stress reliever. So the next time someone engraves your car door with a dent, ding, or perhaps lovingly scratches, HAPPY HAPPY JOY JOY – accept the message, smile, and appreciate the perfection of the imperfection.
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