Wabi-sabi

There are some culture terms that denote a way of life that is very beneficial to us as human beings. Each is specific to its culture.

The first is the term of 'hygge' which is a term from Denmark. Denmark regularly rates as one of the most joyful countries in the world.

It is loosely translated as "togetherness" or "coziness" and even though it may not be a physical state, it's a mental one.

It is the warm glow of candlelight with friends and family - that is hygge. Hygge's high season is winter, and filled with Christmas lights, lots of candles, and other manifestations of warmth and light. It; is a deep sense of cozy. It is sitting with my spouse and the puppy curled up in sheepskins. I am wearing felt slippers, warm snuggly clothes and my hands are clasped around hot mugs of tea or cocoa.

Another term I've loved throughout the world I've known for years and years. It is called 'wabi-sabi' and comes from the Japanese idea of embracing the imperfect, celebrating the worn. It is a spiritual concept around the imperfect and is an acceptance of the toll life takes on us.

I'm reminded of the story of the family who was gathering together for their traditional annual dinner. The mother was pulling out the family china. One of her daughter's firends visiting was helping set the table. She said to the mom, "It's too bad there are chips and minor cracks in this china. Maybe it is time to replace it."

The mother answered, "It's a good thing I'm raising a family and not raising china. Every imperfection is a personal memory for me. It reminds me of when a plate was dropped or something wonderful happened. I would not want to miss a single thing."

Thus is wabi-sabi as we learn to love the things that already exist, for all the chips and cracks, the patina, the crooked lines or tactile evidence made by someone's hands. It is living in the mindfulness of each moment. It is the journey of life. It is remembering it is not the destination we are moving toward but experiencing the journey itself!