WABI-SABI!  Wabi-Sabi sounds like something fun to do, a new pilates move maybe, or might you enjoy your wabi-sabi with a plate of sushi?  Okay, so what is wabi-sabi?  Wabi-sabi is the Japanese art of finding beauty in imperfection. It’s simple, slow, and uncluttered and it gives credit to realness and authenticity above all else. Wabi-sabi is flea markets, not warehouse stores; aged wood, not Pergo flooring.

As a person who likes to have plans and do things “just right” – incorporating the understanding of wabi-sabi into my life can be a real stress saver.  When something doesn’t go as planned – why dwell on the unfairness of the situation when you can get past the imperfection and enjoy things just the way they are or focus on what is really important?  The past few weeks have been more hectic than usual.  My kitchen suffered (too much clutter built up) and therefore I did too.  The clutter made me feel crazy every time I left or entered our home.  On Saturday I developed this sudden urge to do nothing but clean.  I felt defeated by the sheer amount of work to do and the fact that I was giving up time with my husband and daughter to do such a mundane duty.  My attitude went back and affected everyone.  Then, like something magical – WABI-SABI!  Slow down, make things simple, take time for what is important now, and the problem with the kitchen will disappear with some help and time.  I disconnected from the kitchen, came to terms with the temporary mess (although not completely true to wabi-sabi, I didn’t find beauty in the imperfection of my kitchen J) and regained my authentic self…a happy and fun-loving person who puts family at the forefront of my life.  I spent time with my family, relaxed, read, and achieved less clutter in the kitchen.  A wabi-sabi life is a purposeful and simple life.   On a chalkboard in our kitchen I wrote “Wabi-Sabi!!” as a daily reminder for finding beauty in imperfection, and slowing down. 

I wish you all the ability to incorporate wabi-sabi in your lives.