Several years ago, my husband and I had a large, old wooden conference table refinished. When it was returned, there were some noticeable imperfections in the work. Rather than getting upset, rather than insisting on a second refinish, we chose to keep the table just the way it was. Those imperfections tell a good story.
We chose a young business owner to do the work because he was teaching young men carpentry—young men who were disadvantaged and living in the inner city. Initially he turned the job down as his focus was building furniture, not refinishing it. We coaxed him into our project and, when it was finished, he thanked us. It appears that our table opened his eyes to other options on how to grow his business.
Whenever I see the table, the imperfections remind me of Johnny, his calling, his protégés, and how we made a difference in his life. The imperfections also remind me of the Japanese aesthetic concept of wabi-sabi.
Wabi-sabi, also called an artistic sensitivity, a world view, a lifestyle, and a philosophy, not only accepts but deeply appreciates the imperfections and transience of everything around us. It celebrates authenticity, simplicity, purity, and the natural cycle of life. It is in stark contrast to the Western idealization of and addiction to artificial perfection. There is no place for contrived beauty or artifice in wabi-sabi since flaws are what make the person, the place, or thing unique and beautiful unto itself.
Broken bits of pottery fused together again with liquid gold is often used to exemplify wabi-sabi. Those cracks are now part of the object’s story, symbolize the passage of time, and enhance its beauty. Viewing the world through that lens can be a spiritual experience, so it’s no surprise that wabi-sabi was greatly influenced by Buddhist teaching.
Wabi-sabi is the acceptance of what is—from a crumbled napkin, to a lopsided grin, to a cancelled flight. It helps us to be content with what is and greatly reduces the stress of a life where nothing is ever enough. In my opinion, wabi-sabi is much like living in the moment; we appreciate each moment because it is all that we have.
I want to practice more wabi-sabi in my life, especially as I struggle with growing older. As my body shows more and more the passage of time, I’d like to come to peaceful terms with my impermanence—sooner rather than later. I want to take a deep dive into wabi-sabi and then resurface with a deep contentment in my life as it is each and every minute.