The concept of wabi sabi, rooted in Japanese aesthetics, is finding beauty in imperfection, accepting the transience of life, and embracing the authenticity of natural materials. Beth Kempton, a writer and entrepreneur, has written extensively about wabi sabi and its application in modern life.
The Philosophy of Wabi Sabi
Wabi sabi is not just an aesthetic, but a way of life. It is about finding beauty in the imperfect, and accepting the impermanence of things. In the words of Leonard Koren, author of “Wabi Sabi: For Artists, Designers, Poets & Philosophers,” wabi sabi is “the beauty of things imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete.”
At its core, wabi sabi values simplicity, authenticity, and natural materials. It recognizes the beauty in the imperfections of handmade objects, the cracks in an old pot, the weathered surface of a piece of wood. It embraces the transience of life and the inevitability of decay, finding beauty in the passing of time.
Wabi Sabi in Modern Life
Beth Kempton has written extensively about how wabi sabi can be applied in modern life, and how it can help us find peace and contentment in a world that often values perfection and materialism. She encourages us to slow down and appreciate the beauty in the everyday, to find joy in simple pleasures, and to embrace the imperfection in ourselves and others.
One way to practice wabi sabi is to surround ourselves with natural materials, such as wood, stone, and woven fabrics. Kempton encourages us to choose objects that are handmade or have imperfections, rather than mass-produced products that lack personality and character.
The Benefits of Wabi Sabi
Wabi sabi can have many benefits for our well-being, helping us to find peace and contentment in a world that often feels chaotic and stressful. By embracing imperfection and authenticity, we can reduce our anxiety and find joy in the simple things in life.
Wabi sabi can also help us to appreciate the beauty of the natural world and to live in harmony with the environment. By choosing natural materials and embracing the transience of things, we can reduce our consumption and live more sustainably.
Beth Kempton’s wabi sabi philosophy is a valuable reminder that beauty can be found in imperfection, and that impermanence is a natural part of life. By embracing wabi sabi, we can find peace and contentment in the present moment, and learn to appreciate the authentic beauty in the world around us.
So, let us slow down, appreciate the imperfections, and embrace the beauty of wabi sabi in our everyday lives.
