Wabi-sabi
There's a Japanese term, wabi-sabi, now understood as the practice of finding beauty in what's imperfect. The definition has evolved across centuries, but today it roughly means rustic simplicity.
The belief that we're damaged
At times, we walk through life with a quiet belief that we're damaged goods. But something being damaged doesn't mean it holds no value.
This shows up in small ways. Avoiding something because you failed at it before. Hiding part of your story because you're afraid of how it'll be received. Over-apologizing for things that don't require one.
Kintsugi
There's a traditional Japanese art called kintsugi, the practice of repairing broken pottery with gold, silver, or platinum lacquer. The crack is highlighted. The break becomes the most beautiful part of it.
What if we did that with ourselves? What if the goal isn't to hide the crack?
The exercise
Think of one crack: a mistake, a loss, a season that broke you. Ask yourself what it actually cost you. What it taught you that you couldn't have learned any other way. Who you are now because of it.
Then say this out loud, whichever lands the most: This crack is part of my story, not a flaw. I don't have to hide what broke me to be whole. What I've been through has value, and so do I.
Journal prompts
- Pick one "crack" that has happened to you. What did this crack cost you?
- What did this crack teach you that nothing else could?
- Who are you now because of this crack?
Thank you for being here, and for taking the time to connect with your inner guide.
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Chat soon,
Risha
