It represents a precious cache of wisdom that values tranquillity and beauty

Charles Darwin wrote: “It is not the strongest or most intelligent species that survive, but rather the most flexible and adaptable.”

For ages, Japanese culture has been steeped in tradition and has been known for its unique concepts that have often helped individuals lead a more fulfilling and honouring life. From the twelfth century precisely till date, the term Wabi Sabi has evolved and is referred more precisely to the delightful consideration of what is old and worn.

Wabi-Sabi is a Japanese aesthetic as well as a philosophical concept that emphasises finding beauty in imperfections, accepting the incompleteness and impermanence of life and embracing the natural world. The concept of wabi-sabi can be observed in almost every possibility be it nature, art, food, design, architecture, relationships and even selves. In many art forms in Japan, this notion of prettiness through imperfection is present. One such example is the quintessential artistic application of kintsugi, a Japanese craft for repairing broken pottery.

The term is difficult to define but is typically used to refer to accepting and honouring the imperfect. It is easily applied in everyday life. When an individual embraces Wabi-sabi, they realise that nothing is permanent— even fixed objects are subject to change and taint. By embracing Wabi-Sabi, we learn to let go of our need for perfection and find contentment in the present moment. One just needs to shift their perspective from chasing perfection to appreciating. Nowadays, appreciating the things we have, the people we love, the experiences we have and the opportunity to weave into self-lives is losing its value.

Practising the art of wabi-sabi represents a precious cache of wisdom that values tranquillity, harmony, beauty, and imperfection and at the same time strengthens an individual’s resilience in the face of materialism. Wabi Sabi has always valued the acceptance of imperfection. It focuses on gratitude for what we already have, rather than always hankering for something new. It recognises the course of time and its sublime damages. By creating a powerful shift in perspective, an individual feels at peace and content in the current moment.

Often at times we all come up with a situation where we may feel frustrated, feel that things are not as we would like them to be, we wish that some things should have lasted longer and others to be over sooner. We suffer that our plans didn’t go as we expected but practising the art of Wabi-Sabi can help us adapt healthily to the changes and endless cycles of life. Practising the art of mindfulness daily to focus on breathing, body sensations or emotions. Reflecting and writing about the moments allow an individual to cultivate perspective and feel a sense of accomplishment and empowerment. It is really important to give love to the scars that have marked lives; one must not forget that each one of them adds value to their personal history.

Remember, learning shifts a person from victim to creator, allowing them to adapt and cultivate a resilient attitude toward change, loss and transition.  Wabi Sabi is an artistic sensitivity as much as a temporary feeling of beauty.

(The writer is an educator. Views expressed are personal)