As humans, we often seek deeper meaning and balance in our lives. Yet only some of us make it in our endeavour. Today, we will discuss two Japanese life principles of Wabi-Sabi and Ikigai, whose goal is to teach us how to make the most of what we have and leave life to the fullest. Ikiɡai is there to help us find our true calling in life, while wabi-sabi can help us embrace the decay that comes with ageing, make peace with the things we cannot change, and enjoy our imperfect lives.
Wabi-Sabi
The Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi teaches us to appreciate the serenity that comes with ageing, that leaves marks on objects and humans alike. While “wabi” connotes understated elegance of asymmetric and unbalanced items, “sabi” translates into “to rust” and it celebrates the transience of life. The wabi symbolises the imperfections of objects that come from the limitations of design or manufacturing, while sabi reminds us of the mortality of everything, including ourselves. Wabi-sabi teaches us that nothing is perfect, to begin with, and that everything deteriorates with age. That’s why the wabi-sabi aesthetic favours imperfect, asymmetrical design, and items that carry the marks of a long existence of extended use.
