Do you think your face is ordinary and you are not attractive enough ? Your daughter feels her father isn't earning enough to provide her with the comforts of life which her friends are enjoying. Last week, you visited your friend's place and her house was a beautiful villa whereas your house is very plain and needs repairs too.
Well, well....you have many grudges and complaints and despairs due to so many things in your life ! We all have ! It is perfectly normal and a very common problem. So what now ? Should I do something about my problems or live with them forever ?
Don't worry. There is this wonderful Japanese concept of Wabi-sabi to fix all your problems. You heard it right - Wabi-sabi !!!!
Wabi-sabi is a Japanese aesthetic that finds beauty in imperfection, impermanence, and natural simplicity, encouraging appreciation for the transient and incomplete nature of life and objects.
The term "wabi-sabi" is derived from two Japanese words:
Wabi : meaning simplicity, solitude, and melancholy
Sabi: meaning beauty and serenity that comes with age and time.
Wabi-sabi is derived from the Buddhist teaching of the three marks of existence namely impermanence , suffering and emptiness or absence of self-nature. If an object or expression can bring about, within us, a sense of serene melancholy and a spiritual longing, then that object could be said to be wabi-sabi.
Wabi-sabi originates from tea ceremonies performed in sixteenth-century Japan and was popularized by the Zen monk Sen no Rikyu. Wabi-sabi is not rigidly attached to a list of physical traits. Rather, it is a profound aesthetic consciousness that transcends appearance. It can be felt but rarely verbalized, much less defined. Defining Wabi-sabi in physical terms is like explaining the taste of a piece of chocolate by its shape and colour to someone who has never tasted it. It is an aesthetic ideal, a quiet and sensitive state of mind, attainable by learning to see the invisible, paring away what is unnecessary, and knowing where to stop.
So how Wabi-sabi can used in practical life ?
If your face is not particularly attractive, do not feel bad. Rather look at your inner beauty in calm and composed manner. It will reflect on your physical face and it will glow up with your inner light. That moment, you will see your face as very beautiful and attractive. So will others !! Practice being present in the moment, savouring the everyday experiences and details around you
Find beauty in the simplicity of natural materials and textures. Embrace the natural cycle of seasons and the beauty of decay. Many forms of Japanese art have been influenced by Buddhism over the past thousand years, with the concepts of the acceptance and contemplation of imperfection, and constant flux and impermanence of all things being particularly important to Japanese arts and culture. Accordingly, many Japanese art forms can be seen to encapsulate and exemplify the ideals of wabi-sabi.
Here are few examples of practical applications of Wabi-sabi:
- For interior design of your home and office, embrace rustic and natural elements. Incorporate natural materials, vintage pieces, and items with character and history.
- Accept wear and tear of items in use. Instead of replacing items when they show signs of age, view them as having a unique story and character.
- Declutter and focus on having only what you truly need and appreciate.
- Find beauty in your daily life. Notice the details in nature, like the way sunlight filters through leaves or the texture of an old brick wall.
- Appreciate the simple things in life, like a warm cup of tea or a beautiful sunset.
- View setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning.
- Focus on the journey rather than the destination, and appreciate the simple act of doing something.
- Recognize that everyone is imperfect and that it's okay to make mistakes.
- Be kind to yourself and others, and accept that everyone is on their own journey.
- Nurture meaningful relationships and appreciate the unique qualities of each person.
- Don't be afraid to try new things and make mistakes.
- Do your best work and be proud of your accomplishments.
- Be mindful of your work-life balance and prioritize your well-being.
Remember that Wabi-sabi is a way of life, not just an aesthetic. It encourages a shift in perspective, from seeking perfection to appreciating the beauty of imperfection. By embracing wabi-sabi, you can find greater peace, contentment, and appreciation for the simple things in life.
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