Give yourself a WABI-SABI MAKEOVER
Embrace your imperfections with the latest wellbeing trend
No, it’s not a new type of sushi or a form of martial arts. The latest wellbeing buzzword “wabi-sabi” stems from the Japanese art of appreciating the beauty in a naturally imperfect world.
“In everyday life, wabi-sabi means seeing the beauty of what is and not always wanting more,” says life coach and wellness expert Alex Kingsmill. “So many of us are fuelled by a sense of not being and having enough.
“When you embrace wabi-sabi, you come to know that everything is exactly the way it’s meant to be.”
Want to dip into the trend? Follow Alex’s advice on how to bring wabi-sabi into your everyday life …
Accept yourself
“So many of us feel rotten for failing to live up to society’s very narrow definition of physical perfection,” explains Alex.
“Wabi-sabi can help you shift those niggling internal criticisms. It’s an acceptance of what is and a recognition of beauty in authenticity, as well as in age and wear. Those laugh lines, soft bellies and stretch marks from carrying babies – they’re all perfectly imperfect.”
Live simpler
“Wabi-sabi can help you live a much simpler life at home. Instead of striving for more – a fancier house, a bigger TV or a faster car – wabi-sabi urges us to see the beauty in simplicity and economy, accepting things as they are.
“Seek out those older pieces around your home, like your gran’s chipped dish for your keys or a faded blanket for the end of your bed. Let them bring a sense of peace into your home.”
Be a present parent
“Wabi-sabi can really shift the way you experience parenthood,” says Alex. “Life with children can feel messy
and frustrating, and pretty mundane.
“Wabi-sabi helps us see beauty in all those unexciting, everyday moments. So instead of you wanting things to be different, you’ll feel calmer, more centred and be drawn to the outside world. Your kids will notice the shift and be happier, muddier and they’ll sleep beautifully!”
Shift your focus
“It’s so easy to get caught up in the busy-ness of life and not notice the small stuff, the detail of what makes our existence so amazing,” explains Alex.
“Start to focus on the finer aspects of life – flowers growing out of cracks in pavements and the colour of people’s eyes. You’ll realise you already have what you need to feel joy and peace.”
Minimise technology
“TVs, tablets and phones are everything wabi-sabi is not,” says Alex. “Limiting your screen time allows you to focus on the present, to be in that moment, to notice detail, and to return to natural objects and processes. You’ll spend more time with the people you love most. You’ll return to what really matters.”