What is Wabi Sabi?
Here is everything you need to know about Wabi Sabi.
This ancient Japanese philosophy, Wabi Sabi, appreciates and accepts imperfection. We should accept that life itself is constantly changing, and if we embrace this way of life we will also appreciate the beauty and gratitude that comes with it.
The seven main principles in achieving Wabi Sabi:
– Shizen — naturalness without pretension
– Yugen — subtle grace
– Datsuzoku — a break from daily routine
– Seijaku — tranquility
– Kanso — simplicity
– Fukinsei — asymmetry or irregularity
– Shibumi — beauty in the understated
When creating a Wabi-Sabi home, there is no right or wrong. For instance, the simplicity of using an old rustic bowl (maybe even cracked) for a flower vase, or to hold your mail in the entrance hall is the essence of this Japanese philosophy. The bowl would have been well loved and cherished over the years. Nevertheless, using rough textures, natural materials and subtle hues, encourages a quiet mind. And the ability to see muted beauty and allows us to be at peace with ourselves and our surroundings. Whichever way we choose to decorate our homes using Wabi-Sabi, it can not be bought. This shift in perspective, of taking what is old and imperfect and reusing it elsewhere, allows us to embrace calm and serenity.
What does Wabi Sabi mean?
The term Wabi reflects the appreciation of a calm, tranquil and serene life, however, the second term Sabi means the contemplation of what is old and used, and old and elegant. Therefore, the combination of these two kanji characters reflects the untranslatable impression of peacefulness.
The art of Kintsugi
The art of Kintsugi is an example of Wabi-Sabi. Cracked pottery is filled with gold lacquer to show and enhance the hidden beauty of time rather than hiding the cracks and imperfections. Above all, this art focuses on avoiding waste, and therefore, repairing and reusing, giving a new life to old bowls, cups or vases. This is done by embellishing them meticulously and making them into beautiful artwork, and by doing so celebrating the passing of time.
Kintsugi is a metaphor of life: Don’t hide the scars, embrace them and display them with pride.
Acceptance is growth
Accepting is not about giving up. It’s about surrendering to the situation at hand and deciding what happens next. Being in control through acceptance, and finding the path to growth. In conclusion, we should understand that life is imperfect and constantly changing. Therefore, it’s important to face life with an open heart and find peace and freedom through acceptance.
Looking for a minimalist home decor? Here are a few tips on how to achieve that style for your home.