The Healing Power of Beauty
Finding and appreciating beauty in imperfection can serve as inspiration for a fulfilled and balanced life
Wabi Sabi is a term originating from Japan. It cannot be translated literally, but it stands for the beauty around us that is imperfect.
In a broader sense, wabi sabi can mean appreciating life with all its obstacles and accepting impermanence.
Picture by Annie Spratt @unsplash
Let's celebrate what is authentic in life. Cracks, edges, worn surfaces are created by time, weather and use. Perspective changes when we mindfully direct our attention to the beauty in imperfection.
We are transient beings, our body, the material world will become dust one day. We live in a society where growing old is considered a "disadvantage" because you can no longer work productively. We live in a world where growth is idolized, where material wealth is overly valued, where broken things are immediately disposed of, where old means something negative.
If we consciously perceive how we react to certain things, what upsets us, what we are dissatisfied with and evaluate all this in the context of Wabi Sabi, life appears in a different light, wonderful, unique and special.
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Meditating, writing down our thoughts in a journal, or perhaps having a good conversation by the fireplace, on a patio, or in the garden help us shift perspective.
Acceptance is a lesson, try to put in perspective what you perceive as imperfections, irritation, mistakes and reflect on what triggers frustration and negative evaluations.
You think you have many weaknesses, you follow bad behavior patterns or you are just exhausted and not focused.
Photo by Hiroshi Tsubono on Unsplash
Consider your flaws and cracks, as unique. You are a universe, all this together makes you beautiful and unique.
You are enough! Be brave and show yourself with all your scars and problems. Celebrate yourself and your humanity with humility.
Use Positive Affirmations
"I am enough. I am valuable. I am unique. I love and accept myself as I am."
Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash
Don't Forget Your Strengths
Take a step back and look at the whole picture. What are your talents, what are you proud of? Do you have qualities like helpfulness, loyalty, generosity, kindness that make you valuable? Do you see the beauty in your imperfections?
How do you feel? What do you think about your weaknesses? Can you imagine placing little post-it notes with positive affirmations in your home?
Let me know how it works or if it's helpful.
Sign up for an online Self-Care class where we will learn more tools to activate the energy flow in the body so that we can create a balanced, beautiful and harmonious life.
Stay happy and hope to see you soon!