Finding Victory in Imperfection: Embracing Wabi-Sabi Mindset
Written on
Our flaws are what make us human. By accepting and appreciating the transient and imperfect aspects of life—including ourselves—we realize that perfection is an illusion. We are all constantly evolving, whether in our relationships, careers, or personal lives. When faced with challenges, we can pause to reflect, mourn, and then choose to adapt, innovate, or simply begin anew.
Perfection is an unattainable ideal. Many hold on to the false belief that perfection is achievable. However, just as there are no perfect partners, there are no perfect versions of ourselves. This persistent chase for an elusive ideal often leads to feelings of dissatisfaction, which can harm our mental health and relationships.
Mental health is fundamentally about how we navigate the ups and downs that life throws our way—stress, grief, and negativity. Our reactions to these experiences shape our mental well-being.
Realizing that we cannot alter the past or present, the key lies in confronting reality with a victorious Wabi-Sabi perspective. Life is not inherently flawed; it simply is. Our desires for a better existence can lead us to seek alternatives that do not exist—such as a life free of pain and disappointment.
> “The most beautiful people are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known losses, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.” — Elizabeth Kubler Ross
Wabi-Sabi is not about isolating oneself or surrounding oneself with broken or aged items. It doesn't require rearranging one's environment according to arbitrary spiritual laws or adhering to false beliefs that offer hollow comforts.
Asceticism does not provide help either; denying oneself pleasures—be it food, drinks, or experiences—does not lead to fulfillment.
Wabi-Sabi, rooted in Japanese aesthetics, celebrates beauty in imperfection, simplicity, and the fleeting nature of existence. Its ancient wisdom is especially relevant today as we seek meaningful ways to engage with life's challenges beyond material pursuits.
To embrace Wabi-Sabi is to experience life fully through all our senses—sight, sound, touch, smell, taste, and intuition. It encourages us to engage with the world rather than retreat from it. The Wabi-Sabi philosophy clears away unhelpful thoughts, guiding us toward a fulfilling life.
Achieving positive mental health involves Wabi-Sabi Mindfulness, which fosters a calm acceptance of the present, allowing us to appreciate the process rather than fixate on outcomes. By recognizing the beauty in imperfection and accepting the natural cycles of existence—growth, decay, and death—we cultivate self-awareness and personal development. Many find solace in Wabi-Sabi's ability to reveal the melancholic beauty in the transient nature of life.
Living in the moment and finding joy in every action liberates us from the burden of unrealistic expectations.
5 Steps to Embrace a Victorious Life
Here are five key principles to help you release the desire for perfection and empower you to accept your present state, while navigating the emotions that arise from imperfection and transience.
1) Accept Designed Imperfection
At the core of Wabi-Sabi is the understanding that life is a series of unpredictable ups and downs. Just as a beautiful flower may have asymmetrical petals, our beauty does not stem from perfection. Accepting who you are—flaws and all—allows you to embrace the Wabi-Sabi principle that “nothing lasts, everything changes, and nothing is perfect.” Find beauty in the changing seasons, like the trees shedding their leaves in winter, knowing they will bloom again.
To foster positive mental health, recognize that suffering, too, follows this natural law. Your pain and grief will eventually yield to joy and recovery, leading to a victorious existence.
2) Venture into the Darkness
Life's greatest privilege can be the moments that bring us to our knees, forcing us to confront the stark reality of existence. At the edge of despair, I realized that life lacks inherent purpose. This realization liberated me for my journey into the depths of life.
When faced with darkness, you have two choices: to retreat or to dive in. Darkness prevails when you choose to flee. Instead, embrace the struggle with every ounce of energy you possess. As you confront it, remember that darkness is alive, and if it lives, so does hope.
Inaction leads to stagnation. Wabi-Sabi fuels resilience, illuminating the cracks in our flawed existence and allowing hope to seep through. Even after countless failures, each attempt could lead to breakthroughs. Embrace the power of Wabi-Sabi to navigate challenges, even when the journey seems overwhelming.
3) Be Your True Self
Authenticity is a precious gift of Wabi-Sabi. To embody its essence, you must confront the inauthenticity born from the pursuit of perfection. We often hide our true selves behind a façade, but this only deceives ourselves. Wabi-Sabi invites you to strip away these layers and rediscover your essence.
As you embody Wabi-Sabi, you will live naturally and spontaneously, accepting the realities of change and imperfection. You will appreciate the beauty in the flawed and the incomplete, gaining strength to resist superficial materialism.
Thus, nurture your authentic self by recognizing three simple truths: “nothing lasts, nothing is finished, and nothing is perfect.”
4) Celebrate Your Originality
Remember that the person you see in the mirror is imperfect and flawed. We were all once beautiful babies, yet societal pressures distort our self-image, making us feel inadequate.
The marketing of personal and lifestyle products often leads us to feel flawed in various ways. However, Wabi-Sabi teaches us to appreciate the beauty in diversity and differences—not symmetry.
> “Remember you were born an Original, why strive to live like an Imitation?”
You are unique; there is no need to compare yourself to others. Wabi-Sabi encourages you to embrace your authentic self, reminding you that all things are beautiful. By rejecting the desire to conform, you protect your mental wellness and retain your inherent joy and beauty.
5) Become What You Believe
What you think shapes your reality. Your perceptions are a social construct influenced by your thoughts. Self-reflection is crucial in this process. The right mindset can cultivate Wabi-Sabi within you.
Through Wabi-Sabi, you will learn to recognize true beauty in the ordinary and the imperfect. This philosophy encourages a simpler life, fostering connections and community engagement that enhance mental health and lead to a fulfilling existence.
Your Wabi-Sabi perspective profoundly influences your capacity for love, compassion, and community service, promoting a genuinely victorious life.
Explore More
Feel free to check out my recent articles and subscribe to my stories and social media updates. For more engaging content, consider signing up for Medium here:
Join Medium with my referral link - Dr. Michael Heng Read every story from Dr. Michael Heng (and thousands of other writers on Medium). Your membership fee directly supports… thefuturistoracle.medium.com