Wabi Sabi- Day 14

 As much as we strive for perfection, we aren’t actually supposed to be without imperfections. 

“What if we were to agree that our ideal state is actually perfect imperfection…” The Japanese have a practice called kintsugi, where they embellish the cracks found in pottery with gold. The result is an even more beautiful creation. 

Rather than throwing  something away because of its flaws they make it even more valuable. How much time do we waste worrying about an imperfection in our physical appearance? There is nothing wrong with wanting to look your best, but worrying about things you have no real control over is a waste of time. 

Whatever your “natural most authentic state” is how you should approach the world. This version of you allows for your inner beauty to shine. This is the state that you should aspire for. 

Wabi Sabi- Day 13

 Remember we are all works in progress. Instead of wasting energy striving for perfection, take that energy and use it to live fully in the now. 

Kempton states, “Revealing our vulnerabilities opens a window into our hearts where people can see who we really are and they are drawn to connect.”

We all have common experiences that we can share with others. Whether we laugh or cry we realize that we are connected at the human level. Through sharing our struggles we can learn from each other. 

Perhaps this is why social media influencers are so popular today. When we relate to someone else it helps us not feel so isolated or alone. “Of course you feel that way!” becomes a reassuring mantra that we share with others. 

We realize that no one has all the answers, and that we are all imperfect in our own ways. “…the sooner we realize this the sooner we can start honoring ourselves and one another for the imperfect treasures that we are…”

Wabi Sabi- Day 12

 

Have you ever wondered how you might use perfectionism as an excuse not to embrace life. Have you been guilty of making “the perfect the enemy of the good?”

Wabi Sabi uses the lessons of nature to help us better understand imperfection. Kempton reminds us, “If everything is always changing, nothing can ever be absolutely complete.” 

Nothing will ever be perfect because perfection demands completeness. We have a tendency to hang on to our failings, our imperfections, hoping that somehow we can aspire to be more perfect. This state has become our ideal. 

We must let go of this unavailable expectation of perfection. We have to stop looking at perfection and imperfection as opposite sides of a coin. Rather accept the inevitability of our imperfections as, “Imperfection is a snapshot of our journeys of growth and living at a particular moment in time.” 

We need to become comfortable with not knowing all the answers. We have to be okay with  realizing that we can’t be all things to all people. Of course, this doesn’t mean we have no goals or ambitions. It has more to do with gaining clarity about what is really important to us, and choosing to put our efforts into those areas regardless of other’s opinions. 

Wabi Sabi- Day 11

 As Wabi Sabi teaches us about the impermanence of life it also reminds us that suffering is included in these imperfections. This is something we don’t like to hear. As much as we may try to avoid or resist suffering there are times when doing so can actually make things worse. 

“Acceptance is about surrendering to the truth of what is happening and then playing an active role in deciding what happens next.”

Sometimes you have to allow yourself time to rest and recover. When I badly sprained my ankle a few years ago I had to accept the fact that it would take months to fully recover. Initially I gave myself time to stay off my ankle before slowly attempting to walk again. 

I remember pushing the cart at the grocery store recalling how easily it was to walk before my accident. Part of the suffering included the pain associated with the injury, but also the restrictions it imposed on my independence. 

I learned to ask for help when needed, and kept a mindset to continue on a little more each day. It also taught me to appreciate the things we often take for granted knowing how quickly they can change. 

Wabi Sabi- Day 10

 If you are feeling overwhelmed the wisdom of Wabi Sabi can give you a fresh perspective.  Begin by accepting your feelings realizing that, “Whatever is possible in the present is limited.” In this moment you can only do so much. 

By accepting this it doesn’t mean that you have given up on the possibilities of the future. Rather, it’s an understanding of your own capacities at the moment. As much as I might want something to be a certain way, either from myself or others, I have to tune into the realities of the situation. Expecting something impossible is counterproductive.

You must allow yourself grace, and give yourself a break when it is needed. Recently, I purchased a little sign that says, “Be kind to yourself.” It reminds me not to be so hard on myself when it comes to the imperfections of human nature.

Rather, look for the joy in the moment. As I write this I’m sitting outside soaking up the sunshine and the cooler temperatures. In the distance I here the sounds of cows, the wind chimes, and the whir of our ornamental windmill.  The feeling of peacefulness, contentment, and dare I say joy surrounds me. 

Kempton concludes, “Rich is the person who is content with what they have…” In other words, the idea of already having everything you need. The wisdom found here is appreciating what we have as a key to contentment. The apostle Paul reminds us that he found contentment in all circumstances.

This may sound easier said than done, but except in the most extreme of circumstances this attitude can be well within our grasp. 

Again according to Kempton, “We just have to accept it, trust it, and embrace it.”

Wabi Sabi- Day 9

Accepting the present is an important premise of Wabi Sabi. Kempton states, “Acceptance is alignment with the truth of the present moment in this present moment, with what is true about your life.”

The lesson being that we cannot control or hold tightly to the status quo. It will always change and will not remain static. We need to enjoy the good in each season of our life, knowing that the hard times will eventually pass. 

As I sit here writing this post I’m enjoying a cool breeze compliments of Mother Nature, and the early September days. While often times in Texas summer extends well into October, we have been given a reprieve this year with an unseasonably cool summer. 

I know, personally that I have no control over any of this, except for my acceptance and choices to spend as much time outdoors as possible. The fresh air, the smell of newly cut grass, and the buzz of the hummingbirds all make for a delightful day. 

I also can’t help, but think about the use of the word alignment. How many people make a regularly scheduled trip to their chiropractor to align their physical body?

Taking the time to align your thoughts with the truth of the changing nature of our world  can certainly result in a more contented life. 

Wabi Sabi encourages us to anchor ourselves in the now whenever stress seems to be taking its toll. Don’t ignore your emotions, and how you are feeling. Rather accept them with the mantra, “Of course, you feel this way.” Allow these emotions to wash away like the ebb and flow of the ocean’s waves. 

Kempton reminds us, “Know that this is just a moment, and soon it will give away to another.”

Wabi Sabi- Day 8

 When it comes to change in the philosophy of Wabi Sabi, there are two ways you can look at it. 

There are those who cling tightly to the status quo fearful of changing anything even when they are not content. Second there are those who use change as a way of escaping a difficult situation. 

I remember changing grade levels as a teacher always looking for something better, when in reality I really wanted to change careers. Although, there was satisfaction in teaching I always felt it was not actually my calling. Sadly, fear always held me back, and making those “safe” grade level changes helped me make it to the end of a thirty- one years of teaching. 

Kempton points out in her book, “Stability can make us feel safe, but it is built on the misguided assumption that things won’t change, because everything does.”

Accepting things as they are might not actually be beneficial. Time, your most valuable resource, will continue to tick  away whether you choose to do something or nothing at all.

Wabi Sabi teaches us the lesson of accepting and letting go of the past, and embracing the present. 

“Your life is happening right here, and every day is the beginning of the rest of it.”

Don’t make the mistake of beating yourself up for the choices you have already made in the past. At the time you made those choices you could only base them on limited life experiences. Hindsight really is twenty-twenty. Use the knowledge and wisdom you have gained over the years to propel yourself forward, and stop looking at change in a negative light.