What’s Wabi Sabi? Not to be confused with wasabi, the spicy green horseradish that comes with your sushi, Wabi Sabi is the Japanese art of appreciating beauty in an imperfect world. Loosely translated, “wabi” is simplicity, and “Sabi” means the beauty of age and wear.

The practice, rooted in Zen Buddhism, prizes things that are flawed. Maybe you own a favorite mug that is chipped, cracked and irregularly shaped, but was given to you by your child as the product of a school art project.

The opposite of Wabi Sabi? The relentless pursuit of perfection, which brings me to this week’s story. Those of you who know me well know I refer to myself as a “recovering perfectionist.” Like anyone in recovery, some days are better than others. Can you relate?

This week, I submitted my website to a business coach for her review. Full disclosure, I spent hours trying to “perfect” the site before I sent it her way. It’s like cleaning your house before the cleaning lady comes over, because you don’t want her to think you’re a poor housekeeper!

In her review, she mentioned several things she really liked and several areas in of improvement. What do you think I focused on? It sounds ridiculous even to me, but I wanted to be perfect even before my first review! I’m not ashamed to admit my ego still feels the “ouch” of self-judgement.

Back to Wabi Sabi. I’ve started to revise my website (you can visit here). It will take some time to learn some design skills, but as my coach reminds me often, “Done is better than perfect.” I’ve needed to shift my perspective, to see the beauty in the act of creativity, to let it be messy and imperfect.

So if you’ve ever found yourself in the relentless pursuit of perfection, you have a kindred spirit in me! Do you have a story you’d like to share? Just hit “reply” and let me know your Wabi Sabi saga.

Yoga is a perfect place to let go of perfection. Explore your Wabi Sabi beauty by joining me for Midlife Yoga, every Wednesday at 9:00. You can register right here.

Until next time,

~ Rosemary