IN LEARNING to value imperfection, wabi-sabi holds particular lessons for those who have overcome challenges. From single parents and overseas Filipino workers to persons with disabilities, many of us embody kintsugi’s “golden cracks” through their resilience. They have faced hardship and emerged stronger, their lives marked by beauty in places that once held only pain. Rather than flawless success, this resilience [not the toxic one, of course] is the objective measure of character, something we might honor more openly.
As a society, we are often drawn to flawlessness and sometimes miss the strength hidden in struggle. This plays out in mental health, where vulnerability is frequently stigmatized. Yet, wabi-sabi reminds us that understanding our fragility leads to greater humanity. Accepting that everyone carries unseen struggles fosters empathy and shared purpose. If more of us felt empowered to seek help without fear of judgment, mental health could be approached with the compassion it deserves.
In politics, wabi-sabi’s lessons on impermanence could be a humbling reminder for those in power. Leaders rise and fall, and even the strongest administrations reveal flaws. Wabi-sabi encourages us to see these imperfections as part of the bigger picture, reminding us that progress is not linear but often a mix of wins and setbacks. Recognizing this might offer leaders and citizens a healthier governance and enduring perspective.
In the environmental sphere, wabi-sabi is deeply relevant to our country, which is most vulnerable to natural disasters. From typhoons to rising sea levels, landslides to flash floods, droughts to volcanic eruptions, earthquakes to heat waves, nature reminds us of life’s impermanence. Many coastal communities adapt to these challenges by living in harmony with the land, embodying a local form of wabi-sabi. This kinship with nature aligns with the indigenous concept of pakikipagkapwa, which respects the natural cycle and accepts nature’s unpredictability as a way of life.
Living wabi-sabi does not mean abandoning ambitions but rather innovating and shifting how we approach them. Striving for perfection often leads to burnout, but embracing authenticity and sustainable progress can bring balance. If more organizations and communities fostered a culture that values effort over error-free results, workplace stress and well-being could decrease. Applied beyond business, this mindset could nurture an environment where growth is more valuable than flawless achievement.
Ultimately, wabi-sabi offers a way to experience contentment in everyday life. Imagine the peace from valuing simplicity, focusing on experiences over appearances, and finding joy in the present. We are known for bayanihan, our spirit of unity in hardship. Paired with wabi-sabi and a sense of activism, this spirit can help us see imperfections as shared experiences, bringing us closer rather than setting us apart. In valuing the beauty in our daily lives, we might find ourselves more united, steadfast, and directed.
In a world that pushes for the perfect, wabi-sabi teaches us that life is an evolving journey, with all its fissures, repairs, joys, and trials. Embracing this approach could help us find peace amid life’s uncertainties.
Rather than striving to fit into a perfect mold, we are invited to celebrate our unique story — a story where both flaws and strengths define who we are. Just as kintsugi’s gold mends the cracks without hiding them, we can honor our strength and fragility, creating a more connected, compassionate society.
***
Doc H fondly describes himself as a “student of and for life” who, like many others, aspires to a life-giving and why-driven world grounded in social justice and the pursuit of happiness. His views do not necessarily reflect those of the institutions he is employed or connected with./PN
