'Kintsugi' is a Japanese art of fixing broken pottery with glue mixed with gold, silver, or platnum dust. The art of kintsugi tells us about “wabi-sabi” or the beauty of accepting imperfection and the natural aging process of an object. It praises the cracks or imperfections instead of hiding them. Sometimes the repaired ceramics often exhibit unique visible seams and they are considered to be more beautiful and valuable than their unbroken originals.
To follow 'Kintsugi' into our lives we have to tolerate and embrace the flaws or setbacks instead of trying to conceal or cure them. We can appreciate our own imperfections and the experiences that to define us as individuals. Kintsugi might be practiced in such ways:
- Recognizing change and growth of life: Understand that transitions happen for a reason which can make us stronger.
- Finding what went well during difficult times: Instead of focusing on what went wrong and what is the problem, try to find the positive in difficult experiences and learn from them.
- Not seeking perfectness in everything: Notice things that are not perfect but contain unique qualities are worthy for appreciation.
- Finding your own weaknesses: Treat yourself kindly and accept that you are not perfect, and that's you.
- Celebrate the journey instead of end point
- Practice gratitude
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Philosophy