Applying the Japanese Art of Kintsugi to Your Life
In Japanese culture, imperfections are celebrated instead of covered up. Kintsugi, for example, is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery. Instead of throwing pottery away when it cracks, the Japanese carefully repair it using gold to highlight the imperfection.
This practice has been going on for at least four centuries. It does not attempt to cover up the crack. Instead, the broken-ness of the pottery is emphasized. The beautiful result tells the story of the piece of pottery. Anyone who sees, touches, or uses it understands the teacup, bowl, or plate’s resilience. The pottery has been damaged, but it is not broken nor destroyed. Instead, it has been transformed into art made more beautiful because of the damage it has endured.
Kintsugi is closely related to the concept of wabi-sabi[1] . We can apply the same thought process of both Japanese philosophies to our own lives.
Meeting Life's Challenges with Kintsugi
We all face hardships on our journey. Some are more trying than others, such as enduring a significant health crisis, going through a divorce, losing a job, or losing a loved one. These are the moments in our life that challenge us to our core.
By embracing the concept of kintsugi, we can understand that, while these challenges may break us, they do not need to destroy us. At the same time, we should not hide or ignore the fact that we have endured them. They are part of our journey and our life story. They make us who we are.
Therefore, these challenges in our life should be celebrated—not necessarily as a positive part of our lives, but rather as a critical point in our journey that we have overcome. As a result of our pain, we are stronger, more resilient, and more beautiful. We do not need to hide our painful past. It is part of who we are today, and it will shape who we become tomorrow.
Other Ways to Apply Kintsugi to Your Life
This Japanese philosophy shows us that broken things do not always need to be thrown away. We can apply this mindset to relationships as well as objects. Attempting to mend broken relationships could lead to healing. The scars may still show, but they could result in a stronger bond overall. (Of course, some relationships are not worth mending. Understanding the difference is vital for your safety and wellbeing).
You do not need to have endured a significant disaster or catastrophe in life to embrace kintsugi. Seeing the beauty in people’s imperfections can help you have more grace. By looking at life with kintsugi in mind, you will understand yourself and those around you better. We all have scars, and those scars are what make us unique and beautiful. You will be less dismissive and more likely to embrace others’ faults and imperfections.
Start Embracing Your Whole-Being Wellness
Going through life with a kintsugi mindset can help you be at peace with yourself. It can also help you focus on repairing broken objects instead of immediately replacing them, which can contribute to your overall wellbeing
If you are ready to focus on your wellbeing through kintsugi and other holistic practices, let’s talk. Feel free to contact us today to learn more about how whole-being wellness can impact every aspect of your life.