Flawed & Fabulous!

Ditch the Filters, Embrace the Cracks: A Wabi-Sabi Guide

Have you ever scrolled through a flawlessly curated social media feed and felt a twinge of inadequacy? A triggered pang of "my life isn't put together" blues? We've all been there, chasing an airbrushed ideal of perfection.

But what if there's another way? Enter Wabi-Sabi, a beautiful and profound Japanese philosophy that celebrates imperfection, impermanence, and the natural world. Wabi-Sabi whispers that true beauty lies not in the polished and the perfect, but in the cracks, the wrinkles, the very signs of a life well-lived.

We all have imperfections, some real, some imagined. But what if these "cracks" in our perfect facade are actually what make us unique and interesting? This week, we're diving deep into the wisdom of Wabi-Sabi and exploring how it can transform our relationship with imperfection.

There is a lot of advertising and media that perpetuate unrealistic beauty standards and goals. There is also this invisible pressure to constantly "win" at life, leading to burnout and anxiety.

Here are some tools to break free from this societal pressure:

• Curate your consumption: Be mindful of who you follow on social media. Seek out accounts promoting authenticity and body positivity or people on a similar journey as you.

• Challenge the narrative: When you see an image that triggers inadequacy, question its message. Is it real, or carefully crafted?

Redefine success: Success isn't about having a perfect life. It's about pursuing your passions, making a difference, and living authentically. This could mean different things to different people.

Here are some tips for finding peace with your “flaws”:

• Practice gratitude: Focus on the things you love about yourself, your strengths, and your experiences. Make this a regular practice.

• Challenge negative self-talk: When negative thoughts creep in, challenge them with self-compassionate statements. Not easy, but always worth it.

• Celebrate your journey: Your flaws and imperfections are part of your story, and your story is beautiful. This celebration can even be a mini victory dance in your bedroom.

Real talk from real people :
Sarah Vee, founder of Women of Hong Kong (the impatient perfectionist- I relate to this one the most! ) says, “I struggle with wanting things done right now, perfectly. This can lead to multitasking chaos, dropping the ball, and frustration (sound familiar?). But here's the secret: embracing "failing fast" helps me learn and grow – in parenting, business, and even personal development.

My secret weapon? Deep breaths and mindfulness. When impatience takes hold, I remind myself to slow down and focus. The tension between wanting things done quickly and striving for perfection is an ongoing challenge, but being mindful of it allows me to make progress despite this internal conflict”

Aggie, a fitness and tennis enthusiast says “Growing up, my Asian family background and larger frame made me feel insecure about my curves. Teasing from relatives didn't help! The gym in 2018 changed it all! Met amazing women who celebrated my curves. Now, I love my strong body and rock clothes that show it. Fitness is life! I want to help others ditch unrealistic goals and embrace confidence. Let's change the beauty narrative, together!

Cultivating Wabi-Sabi: Wabi-Sabi isn't just a philosophy; it's a way of life. Here are some simple practices to integrate its wisdom:

• Find beauty in the impermanent: Appreciate the fleeting beauty of a blooming flower or a breathtaking sunset.

• Embrace asymmetry: Perfection can be boring! Find beauty in the uneven or asymmetrical – a chipped teacup holding a perfect cup of tea.

• Immerse yourself in nature: Spend time outdoors and appreciate the raw, unfiltered beauty of the natural world.

• Practice mindfulness: Slow down, be present in the moment, and appreciate the little things that make life rich.

By incorporating these practices, you can cultivate a sense of peace and acceptance for the perfectly imperfect you!