Wabi-Sabi : Finding Beauty In Imperfection
Ideothetic Flow
Hi!
The Japanese have a concept known as "wabi-sabi", which is the idea of beauty in imperfection. It is a concept that recognises the impossibility of perfection, the fallibility of humans, and how our endeavours are subject to more than is in our control.
(For another article about embracing imperfection, see: Ozan Varol - Why imperfect is more beautiful than perfect, which has some interesting examples)
This concept has been gaining popularity on the internet for awhile, and it has deep lessons which could enter into every part of our lives. In this issue, I only want to focus on applying wabi-sabi when dealing with others.
At times I encounter people who tend to take a very critical view of the world, seeing flaws in everyone and everything else. No matter how good an experience, there is always a comment about how something that was imperfect, or that it was not as good as a different experience. I feel that this dampens the moment and removes the good vibes from everyone else. Personally, whenever organising social activities, I fear people like this, as they will tend to kill my mood.
Even when intentions are good, the need for perfection can still cause problems for others. This happens when we try to give advice or instructions to others. Someone who has an idea, some plans to start a project, or learning a new skill, shares this with trusted friends or colleagues. He ends up getting an overwhelming amount of input: "if you are going to implement this, then it also needs these capabilities", "this idea does not work , what if [insert minor remote possibility of failure] happens?". This can inflate a task beyond what is realistically achievable, and might destroy the momentum needed to start something new. Rather than by expecting a perfect result from the beginning, giving someone the chance to make a prototype, and to iterate over time, will help them get over the difficult barrier of starting something new. (and in this regard I need to thank all those who read this newsletter, despite its constant imperfections)
For myself, I realised a perfectionist tendency holding back my efforts to get fit. I would look up the "right practices" and the "right way to work out". I end up wasting time trying to decide what to do. When exercising, I wonder if I am doing it right and fail to focus on the exercise. What I should be doing is to stop thinking and analysing, and simply exercise more or eat better whenever I have the chance to do so.
What do you think about the concept of wabi-sabi? Do let me know if you agree with it and want to find ways to apply it in your life. I would also love to hear if you disagree with this way of viewing the world.
Hope you have a great week ahead!
James
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Ideothetic Flow is a fortnightly newsletter where I reflect on insights that I have found useful in rethinking life in a more realistic way.
Modern culture, media, and technology, for all their benefits, have distorted the view of a complete and happy life. The ideas I share are those which have helped me gain a deeper understanding of my own identity and circumstances, and inspire change towards a happier life, and I hope they will do the same for anyone else who reads this.
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