THE PHILOSOPHY THAT EMBRACES IMPERFECTION<\/b><\/p>\n
One thing that is consistent in life is inconsistency. When we plan something, there is a possibility of a change in our schedule because sudden things come up; when we are in a happy relationship, there is the possibility of breaking up. Essentially when we are happy, we will also face sadness. Humans always translate this moment into something bad. Indeed, it is easier to see imperfections and merely make them something we should run away from.<\/span><\/p>\n However, there\u2019s a philosophy born centuries ago in Japan called <\/span>wabi-sabi<\/span><\/i>, defined as the beauty of imperfections. Wabi-sabi is practically everywhere, each place you go where you can spot imperfections: a crack on the teapot, a distorted shadow, even the unfinished to-do list. This concept can be better understood if we break down its meaning, which is composed of two kanji characters: <\/span>wabi<\/span><\/i> and <\/span>sabi<\/span><\/i>. The word \u2018<\/span>wabi<\/span><\/i>\u2019 (<\/span>\u4f98) <\/b>expresses loneliness, melancholy, and impermanence, while on the contrary, \u2018<\/span>sabi<\/span><\/i>\u2019 (<\/span>\u5bc2<\/b>) is<\/span> defined as delights and can express the effect of time on a substance. <\/span>Combined together, the word <\/span>wabi-sabi<\/span><\/i> becomes a concept that embraces the idea that things get more beautiful as it ages. It expresses simplicity and the truest form of an object, and when embraced, we can find comfort in purity and a life detached from materialistic obsessions of the world.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n As aforementioned, the <\/span>wabi-sabi<\/span><\/i> concept is practically everywhere, and<\/span> wabi-sabi<\/span><\/i> has long been applied to various events of human kinds, including philosophy. Even though its concept was better known for arts (architecture, design, and poetry), many still pursue the concept of <\/span>wabi-sabi<\/span><\/i> in daily life to pursue little joy, for instance: when observing nature or during a conversation with our relatives. In architecture, <\/span>wabi-sabi<\/span><\/i> can refer to comfortable design with the simplicity of nature, embracing the elements of raw textures rather than the idealization of perfection.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Therefore, learning to incorporate <\/span>wabi-sabi<\/span><\/i> concepts into our life can be essential. The first step is to undeniably adopt this accepting mindset; we must look at our thoughts and start seeing imperfections as things worth embracing. Some of the practical manners that the <\/span>wabi-sabi<\/span><\/i> concept offers are as follows:<\/span><\/p>\n This can be implemented in many ways. For example, when we see someone on our way out, it is humane to judge their appearance. But truthfully, if we process the thoughts further, we need to slowly change them and think about what kind of life they have lived and how beautiful the wrinkles they might have. Radical acceptance of others and ourselves will allow us to see more beauty in our lives despite any shortcomings.<\/span><\/p>\n It\u2019s also important to remember that life is indeed impermanent and dynamic. Our plans change, our paths can instantly change in route, and if our minds can see the beauty in no matter what direction we\u2019re heading, we\u2019ll surely endure the turmoil better.<\/span><\/p>\n As humans, it\u2019s natural to demand constant growth and changes. However, as we also learned that plenty of things are out of our control, family, genetics, and health, we will also need to accept that these are things that we cannot change, and that is when it\u2019s important to learn to see them as beautiful eventually.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n With that being stated, we can clearly comprehend the idea that <\/span>wabi-sabi<\/span><\/i> philosophy offers a different lens. It takes us on a journey of living a kinder and loving life, be it to others and ourselves as well.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \n REFERENCES<\/b><\/p>\n Puff, Robert. (2021). <\/span>Adapting the Japanese Wabi-Sabi Philosophy. <\/span><\/i>Extracted from PsychologyToday: <\/span>https:\/\/www.psychologytoday.com\/us\/blog\/meditation-modern-life\/202108\/adopting-the-japanese-wabi-sabi-philosophy<\/span><\/a>. [Accessed August 11th 2022]<\/span><\/p>\n Stewart, Martha. (2019). <\/span>Wabi Sabi Your Life: Six Strategies for Embracing Imperfection. <\/span><\/i>Extracted from: <\/span>https:\/\/www.marthastewart.com\/2225027\/wabi-sabi-strategies-tips<\/span><\/a>. [Accessed August 11th, 2022]<\/span><\/p>\n\n
\n
\n