What is wabi sabi?

Wabi sabi is a Japanese phrase that is used to express a broad range of concepts, such as:
“Everything and everyone has its own unique aspect”
“There is no need to always be perfect”
“Things are ever-changing; focus on the present”

Wabi and Sabi

Originally, wabi and sabi were simply two separate words.
Wabi was first used to denote "the sadness and bitterness of not being able to do what we want."
Around the 13th century, wabi changed to the more positive "acceptance of any situation, regardless of how difficult or challenging it is", such as an actively seeking a peaceful life, even in situations rife with disappointment due to lack of money or goods.
It is the concept of embracing any situation without pessimism.

Sabi expressed a sense of oldness, tranquility, and the quaintness of withering away.
It is finding beauty in the passage of time, such as rusting, staining and cracking.

In modern Japanese, wabi is used to indicate a preference for the simple and quiet life, and rustic simplicity, whereas sabi refers to elegant refinement.

What does wabi sabi mean today?

The most common usage of wabi sabi today would be ""appreciating the beauty in imperfection"". That said, attempting to limit wabi sabi to a single definition may interfere with its nuance and fluidity. If we cannot define what wabi sabi is, but can at least introduce some concepts that encompass wabi sabi to help with our understanding.

Appreciating... everything, including the imperfect, the lacking, the withered. every moment because nothing stays the same. the beauty that the passage of time has created. the essential beauty that remains inside, even as the outside form changes.

Here are some descriptions of wabi sabi by some authors. We hope this helps you grasp wabi sabi – though what you embrace completely depends on you.

Wabi sabi nurtures all that is authentic by acknowledging three simple realities: nothing lasts, nothing is finished, and nothing is perfect. Richard Powell, Wabi Sabi Simple

Wabi sabi can be found anywhere by anyone

Wabi sabi concepts are reflected in the traditional culture of Japan, such as zen gardens, Japanese green tea (the Way of Tea), ikebana flower arrangement, incense and haiku poetry. Wabi sabi is not only found in Japanese culture, but also in the Japanese mindset, whereby nature is incorporated into daily life and seasonality is cherished.

However, wabi sabi is certainly not limited to Japan and can be expressed and appreciated anywhere, by anyone. What will be your wabi sabi moment today?