I loved researching the wonderful concept of Kintsugi. It is an art and part of the Japanese worldview of Wabi Sabi. Kintsugi or Wabi Sabi appreciates everything which is old or broken. When a piece of pottery is broken they mend the broken parts with gold so it is becomes stronger and more beautiful than before.
It also made me think of the words of Leonard Cohen. "There is a crack in everything, that's where the light comes in " and I think of the words from the book of the Velveteen Rabbit
You know it all gives us permission to be imperfect, as nothing is perfect. We however often focus on our shortcomings but that is our platform to grow from, to get more beautiful and stronger :)
It gives us permission to love ourselves with all our imperfections. You are better able to accept and understand others when you do and there is less room for judgement. Love will have lots of space. So be all that is you. |
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Poets United Prompt Kintsugi: Art of mending
Oh beautiful imperfection
Oh, beautiful imperfection
of broken parts of pottery
strengthened by golden joinery
mend by the art of Kintsugi
Oh beautiful imperfection
strengthened by golden joinery
mend by the art of Kintsugi
Oh beautiful imperfection
It is part of our attraction
we connect through our wounds
develop a supportive unity
Oh, beautiful imperfection
An underrated reflection
of a side of us that’s broken
and filled and build with mastery
of a side of us that’s broken
and filled and build with mastery
Oh, beautiful imperfection
our seams a symbol of strength
Our scars a proof of healing
Our scars a proof of healing
Revealing the gift of growth
Oh, beautiful imperfection
Crevasses of grieve filled with gold
Beholding the elixir of life to
evolve with wondrous wisdom
Crevasses of grieve filled with gold
Beholding the elixir of life to
evolve with wondrous wisdom
The old practice of make do amd mend seems lost in modern communities. Once we repaired everything possible rather than buy new, or had to as during wartime there weren't the goods available to replace them. 'Beautiful imperfection' much like ourselves with broken bones mended, hearing aides and spectacles and of course the walking stick to enable us to walk without falling over.
ReplyDeletescars are indeed the proof of healing... nicely done!!
ReplyDeleteThis concept is the opposite of the one that says : 'throw away the broken item as it brings bad luck'. That's what I was used to do until now. Your beautiful poem on imperfection and Leonard Cohen's words on the crack through which light comes out, certainly make me reflect on this subject. I tend to favor the Kentsugi, the art of mending.
ReplyDelete"we connect through our wounds / develop a supportive unity"...I can so relate. A beautiful piece Marja.
ReplyDeleteThis is so incredibly poignant.. sigh.. especially love; "Oh, beautiful imperfection our scars, a symbol of strength they are the proof of healing, revealing new spaces for growth." Beautifully penned.
ReplyDeleteLove! Such a perfect ode to imperfection! "An underrated reflection"n Let us value ourselves and our possibilities.
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful poem - and philosophy. Very wise words. I loved this.
ReplyDeleteA wonderful truth/poem. No one is "their" perfect, but we are all the perfect me.
ReplyDeleteOur scars tell us so much about our lives--well done!
ReplyDeleteThe thing is that broken bits actually accentuates the beauty.
ReplyDeleteIt is so true that we connect through our wounds....it's that shared humanity that can build such strong intimacy. And, I love that Leonard Cohen quote, too.
ReplyDelete"Our scars, a symbol of strength
ReplyDeletethey are the proof of healing"-- Perfect! And this says is all! Thank you Nicole! What a wonderful post. Sometimes we need these little reminders to enjoy the simple things in life and not get so caught up in the perfection/imperfection hoopla. Lovely... I love this!
"...we connect through our wounds..". Perfect!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful meditation on the theme - well done
ReplyDeletedesert deceit and choose
ReplyDeletedepth over superficiality
Americans would be wise to follow those words, especially after the disaster last November.
Hi Marja - a wonderful post with a beautiful poem to explore it. Amazing quote you've come up with ... Leonard Cohen's "There's a crack in everything - that's where the light comes in" ... so true. While I didn't know about Kentsugi - beautiful when it's done like this ... we used to mend everything possible, and I'm still pretty careful with things ... fascinating to know I can mend with gold! Lovely post - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteI loved your poem and forwarded it to my friend. Beautiful imperfection, yes, there is beauty there.
ReplyDeleteI love the uplifting vibe of your poem. Excellent choice of refrain in beautiful imperfection.
ReplyDeleteI love the way you have explored the beauty in imperfection! In my opinion - without the scars, there is less beauty!
ReplyDeleteloved the lines...insightful...beautiful!!
ReplyDeleteA beautiful post. You are not only a fabulous photographer and terrific poet but a philosopher as well. You are an inspiration.
ReplyDelete