The Wabi-Sabi Way

As I read the magazine about the “way,” I asked the same question I am sure you are asking now – What the heck is The Wabi-Sabi Way?

Well, it is the “way” I plan on being and thinking from now on.

Wabi-Sabi is when you realize that you are not going to be perfect, your life is not going to be perfect, you are never going to look like Paris Hilton (that’s if you wanted to look like Paris Hilton). It’s also when you realize that your spouse is not perfect, that your kids will never be the genius that discovers the cure for why men go to war, and that you will not keep up with the Jones no matter how hard you try.

The term has Japanese origins and basically describes, “the beauty to be found in that which is incomplete or imperfect.” Wow!!!

So, now I knew what Wabi-Sabi was – but what does it look like? According to the article, an old weathered barn is Wabi-Sabi, as is that old worn t-shirt that you can’t give up, and that comfortable beat up chair from Fraiser. All Wabi-Sabi! In Japan an artist will make sure an art piece has one mistake in it just remind people of the concept of Wabi-Sabi. I guess I can call my dropped stitches in knitting as Wabi-Sabi – I will just pretend I did it on purpose.

But what would happen if we went through life deciding to NOT be perfect and instead to allow our imperfections to shine – our personal Wabi-Sabi? How would life become easier – less stressful – less complicated? How much would our blood pressure decrease if you said, “Oh, it’s OK – It’s Wabi-Sabi!?”

Wabi-Sabi is authentic and simple. It is a natural beauty. As we grow older, Wabi-Sabi allows us to be OK with the parts of us that change. A wrinkle becomes perfect imperfection.

Wabi-Sabi doesn’t mean we don’t try to do better, it simply means that we are at peace with things as they change. You never know how that change may work to your advantage. For example, when I lost my job a few years back I thought this is awful, devastating. But then I discovered coaching – and nothing has been the same since. It completely changed my life for the better. It didn’t happen in one day – it took time – Wabi-Sabi!

How can you make The Wabi-Sabi Way a part of your life? How will it change the way you see things? My suggestion, make Wabi-Sabi a conscious decision and enjoy the journey of life with all its imperfections.

Blessings, Judith Auslander

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