Wabi-sabi

At my lunch bunch group yesterday, I heard a new word, and asked how to spell it so I could look it up.  It was used in the context of sewing projects  (which I brought up).  One, who is a master quilter, said:  The more of a perfectionist you are the better your projects will turn out.  I responded:  I am not a perfectionist at all.  The third one answered:  But you will enjoy it because you find beauty in the imperfect, like wabi-sabi.  That, of course, made me very curious.

This is what I learned.  Wabi-sabi is a Japanese world view and aesthetic.   It is based on the Buddist assertion of impermanence. Both parts of the word are difficult to translate,  but wabi has to do with something which is imperfect, has quirks and anonmalies--that produced by humans or by nature.  Sabi is more about the beauty of serenity that comes from age.

The Japanese ideal upon which this philosophy can be summarized with these three statements:  nothing lasts, nothing is finished, nothing is perfect.  An example in Japanese culture is in the tea ceremony, which often features flawed pottery, as a thing of beauty, to be appreciated.    Other words associated with the notion of wabi-sabi are:  asymmetry, modesty, simplicity, intimacy.

I am most delighted to learn this new concept.  The Western worldview has no equivalent,  admiring imperfection. Adding it to my lexicon is very helpful.  And it is definitely applicable to my sewing projects!

 And likewise,  I know for sure that I am deeply flawed,  certainly unfinished, and only temporary.

Wabi-sabi me!