My Wabi-Sabi Self

My hubby recently came back from a trip to New York with the January/February copy of Experience Life magazine, saying that he thought there were some articles in it that I would enjoy. He was spot on.  I was absolutely delighted to find this article by Jessie Sholl, and to be introduced to the Japanese philosophy of wabi sabi.   (Don't you just love that name!!)

From Wikipedia, I gleaned the following definitions of both words.  ''Wabi now connotes rustic simplicity, freshness or quietness, and can be applied to both natural and human-made objects, or understated elegance. It can also refer to quirks and anomalies arising from the process of construction, which add uniqueness and elegance to the object. Sabi is beauty or serenity that comes with age, when the life of the object and its impermanence are evidenced in its patina and wear, or in any visible repairs.'

In the article, the writer introduces it as follows, "I learned about the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi, or 'imperfect beauty.'  The concept has its roots in the traditional Japanese tea ceremony and is sometimes explained by using the example of a well-loved tea cup, made by an artist's hands, cracked or chipped by use.  Such traces remind the observer that nothing is permanent - even fixed objects are subject to change."  Of-course I was now intrigued: tea ceremony and a deep, meaningful philosophy on life!  That is definitely a concept to share on my blog.

Jessie talks about how she noticed her body starting to age, her feelings about it and even the change in how people viewed her and addressed her.  She mentions how at first it really bothered her, but how she slowly realised that 'lamenting lost youth was, at best, an exercise in futility.'  She quotes Richard Powell in his book, "Wabi Sabi Simple" where he acknowledges three simple realities:  "Nothing lasts, nothing is finished, and nothing is perfect."  What a simple, realistic and powerful perspective on life.  I think it would alleviate so much heartache and angst for many of us, let alone all the physical pain some people put themselves through to change what they believe are flaws.

She also talks about how the wabi sabi philosophy gives a different perspective to our Western ideal of beauty, which originally stems from classical Greece and which celebrates smooth, symmetrical perfection. Wabi Sabi however, prizes authenticity. " The cracks in the old tea cup are seen as assets rather than flaws."  I just love that.  I also love how she encourages us to adopt a wabi-sabi outlook and how it can be both eye opening and mind opening.  "By perceiving ourselves through this generous lens, we can stop endlessly striving for the ideal body and focus instead on real physical health."  And I want to add to that and say give gratitude for our bodies, for the health of our bodies and deep appreciation for what they allow us to do.

I'm definitely going to be doing a bit more research on wabi-sabi.  Here are two books that I am putting on my wish list ...