Jeepney Press / Mae Grace

AMAZINGgrace Wabi Sabi, Anyone? by Mae Grace by Mae Grace

Have you ever heard of this overly used Japanese term, ‘Wabi Sabi’? I am so sure you have. According to my friend Google, the concept of Wabi Sabi is founded on the philosophy of Zen Buddhism which believes that nothing is ever permanent, perfect or complete. In other words, this philosophy wants you to live a happy life by embracing your imperfections, by giving you permission to be ‘yourself’.

I’ll give you some tips on how to live the ‘Wabi Sabi’ way. One, would be to keep things simple and decluttered as these also help us to declutter our mind. Thus, notice the emphasis on appreciating ‘less’ but choosing only what’s most important. In doing this, we become more sensitive to our emotions, our likes and preferences and enjoy our individual uniqueness. The Wabi Sabi life also pushes us to the outdoors, to commune with nature, to sit and think in the silence and beauty around us, and to embrace the imperfect. One great virtue of this philosophy is in the way the Japanese live and pay attention to the seasons and their coming and passing.

In 2020, due to the onset of the Covid 19 pandemic, many temples in Japan have stopped filling water in those large water basin called “Chozubachi” or “Chozuya” located at the temple gates to prevent visitors from using them, for safety and health reasons. Instead, seasonal flowers in the spring, or colorful leaves from maple trees in autumn, even bamboo reflections that create beauty from the surrounding garden were utilized. Rather than throwing away fully bloomed and almost wilting flowers, these have been arranged inside the water basins to create a new perfect composition. From what appeared as imperfections, Wabi Sabi has given us a second chance, another beginning, a new life, and a new meaning. Wabi Sabi, anyone?