Wabi sabi: how to embrace imperfection

2 minute read

1. Pay attention to nature

Nature is the home of miracles, complex growth, stories of resilience and ephemeral beauty emerging and evaporating. When we take time to stop and look, each of these gifts reminds us to take notice of the fleeting beauty of our own lives. Note the passing of the seasons to help you stay present. Tune into the rhythms of nature to tune into your own natural rhythms, so you know when to surge forth, and when to relax.

2. Learn how to fail

There are six steps to learn from failure. Be honest: state the facts about what happened. Humility: admit who you’ve been blaming and the role you played. Simplicity: identify the lesson. Impermanence: name what was lost or gained and what has changed you. Imperfection: acknowledge the flaw – in you or someone else – you must forgive or embrace in order to move on. Incompleteness: this is not the end of the story. What will you do next?

3. Try to accept yourself as you are

Change is inevitable in life, so trying to hold onto the past or present is pointless. Be open-minded. Your life is happening right here, right now, says Kempton. When your head cannot find the answers, remember that your heart may know the way. Perfection is a myth, you are perfectly imperfect, just as you are.

‘Wabi Sabi: Japanese Wisdom For A Perfectly Imperfect Life’ by Beth Kempton (Little, Brown, £12.99) is out now

Image: Getty