Life
The Danish concept of 'hygge' has been doing the rounds the last couple of years.
And it is easy to see why. The candles, the cozy time, all those fuzzy feels. However, much as we are loving the Danes for giving us hygge, it looks like there is a new lifestyle movement on the scene – and we kind of think you are going to like it too. Say hello to Wabi-Sabi. "Wabi-What" we hear you say, but listen – this ancient Japanese philosophy – which is currently popping up everywhere, from Pinterest to Instagram feeds, can actually end up bringing some clarity to your life – which is what we all want at the start of a new year, no? Wabi-Sabi is not easy to directly translate, but according to experts, it means something like "beauty in imperfection" or "taking pleasure in the imperfect" – and is an idea and a practise rooted and rich in history, both in Japan and Ancient China. Now, this may all sound a bit fluffy, but actually; embracing this idea might end up changing your life – for the better.
Wabi-Sabi means being happy with enough – not constantly chasing perfect, better, more. And I think we could all learn a little from this philosophy.
In a world where popular culture and social media has us all believing we have to be Pinterest Perfect at all times, constantly comparing ourselves to others – harming not only our self-esteem, but also our mental health in the process – Wabi-Sabi says we should all just lower our shoulders and embrace life being not perfect. In fact; flawed beauty is not only deemed OK in Japan and the Wabi-Sabi philosophy, it is celebrated.
This lifestyle calls for living more modestly, accepting that we will never be perfect, and learning to be satisfied with what we have. It is pretty much the polar opposite of our stressful, busy lives that often have us focusing on achieving perfection in all areas.
How to live more Wabi-Sabi
If you are a little concerned about how to even begin to live according to Wabi-sabi rules, you are going to be happy to hear that it is pretty darn simple. You don't even have to buy anything or sign up to a Wabi-Sabi newsletter or online traning course.
All you have to do is to quit your perfection race – and embrace life as being amazing and beautiful and flawed and fabulous - and feel happy with your lot.
Be humble, happy and kind. Take care of your body and looks, but because it makes you feel good, not becuse you are trying to look like someone else or because you are trying to stay young forever. Don't get hung up on flaws, look for the bright side and keep it simple.
What more? Buy less, mend more, eat simple, good foods, fix what it broken, be calmer, change what you can and don't obsess about the things you can't.
Well, we don't know about you, but Wabi-Sabi sounds like a lifestyle trend we are going to totally get onboard with.
