Wabi Sabi and my Home

I’ve come to admire the concept of Wabi-Sabi, the Japanese philosophy of finding beauty in imperfection, impermanence, and simplicity, as it resonates with the slower pace of my life.

The exterior walls of my house endure the harsh elements of nature, from scorching sunshine and dry summers to the moisture-laden months that follow, and eventually, the freezing temperatures with frost. Over time, these extremes have worn down the wall finish. I used to cover the walls with plaster of Paris and similar materials before painting over them. Now, I’ve come to appreciate the imperfections. The flaking plaster, merely painted over without further repairs, gives the walls character. They may not be perfect, but they make the house feel like a welcoming home.

When I find a book that that I like, I don’t mind the marks or dents on the cover. Yes, I do appreciate a brand new book, but a one that is slightly damaged also seems fine to me. In fact, it has more character.

My old kettle, dented on one side, still hums along just fine. The dining table bears the marks of time, and I find comfort in that. There’s beauty in imperfection—it brings a quiet kind of peace, freeing my mind to savor life’s better moments. The gentle breeze, the birds’ soft chorus, the sun rising and setting, the earthy scent of the forest floor, bees buzzing from one flower to another. And in those simple pleasures, I find a happiness that blooms from within.

Wabi-Sabi now comes naturally to me, maybe as an extension of my slow life.

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