November 1st begins Wabi-Sabi season. And yes, I know how I think of Wabi-Sabi may differ from the history and norm. But for me, Nov 1st begins the season of beauty, of cozy, of simplicity, knowing we are all incomplete, imperfect and beautiful. Each moment has beauty within...if we know how to see.
There is a richness to my life when I see the world through this lens. I find beauty everywhere, my inner judgments and to do lists fall away. Being present in this extraordinary moment comes forward. I start to see wonder and beauty in others and myself. Of course these traits are always available to me. But there is something unique about the season of long nights, falling leaves and year end. It asks us to look deeper to see it's beauty.
"Wabi Sabi beauty tumbles out of ordinary life." Wabi-Sabi- together these two words, "represent a way of being that celebrates the beauty of age, the richness of character, the importance of imperfection and the reality of impermanence." "Richard R. Powell.
Seeing the world through the lens of wabi-sabi isn't something you can be taught, it's something you explore. It's a way of seeing, of being. Before the holidays get into full swing and our days are long and dark, explore wabi-sabi. I've pulled out my well read and deeply worn books. These are my wabi-sabi books.
Here are 3 of my favorite Wabi-Sabi books
Wabi-Sabi for Writers by Richard R. Powell. You do not have to be a writer to love this book. I've read it over and over again and still come away seeing the world and each other more beautiful.
Wabi-Sabi for Artists, Designers, Poets and Philosophers by Leonard Koren If Wabi-Sabi had a how to manual this would be it. It's a classic. So many of my favorite quotes and ideas come from this little gem.
Wild Mind by Natalie Goldberg. While this isn't called wabi-sabi it's dripping in wabi-sabi. I love Natalie's writing and prompts and essays on how to see and be in the world imperfectly beautifully.
Find beauty in unexpected places. Look at the trees, really look. Get close, explore the bark, the moss, the life living hidden from us rushing by. It will forever change you...in the most delightful way.
"Beauty can be coaxed out of ugliness"...Wabi-sabi suggests that beauty is a dynamic event that occurs between you and something else. Beauty can spontaneously occur at any moment given the proper circumstances, context, or point of view. Beauty is thus an altered state of consciousness, and extraordinary moment of poetry and grace." Leonard Koren Wabi-Sabi for Artists, Designers, Poets and Philosophers.
Happy Traveling, Denise
