Through ‘wabi-sabi,’ you gain an appreciation for the relationship between you and the natural world. You’re a part of the world and at its mercy, not separated from it by societal constructs. The ‘imperfections’ you see around you are what nature creates. And so, you’re encouraged to work alongside nature, not against it.
“The aesthetics of wabi-sabi opened our eyes to everyday life and gave us a method of handling what is common in an uncommon, aesthetic way,” Professor Otabe told the BBC.
The Japanese art of ‘kintsugi,’ where you repair broken pottery with gold or lacquer, is often associated with ‘wabi-sabi.’ Through ‘kintsugi,’ you highlight the cracks in the pottery, instead of trying to hide them.
‘Hanami,’ the annual celebration of cherry blossoms in Japan, is linked to ‘wabi-sabi,’ too, as you accept the fleeting beauty of nature.
We can’t wait to hear what you think, Pandas. If you have a (perfectly imperfect) moment, share your thoughts in the comments down below! Have you heard of the concept of ‘wabi-sabi’ before? How tough do you find it to accept your personal flaws? What are your biggest imperfections and mistakes that you’ve learned to embrace? Let us know!
