Wabi-sabi, a way of life to be happy with little

WELLNESS – That's it. Here we are. The new year has just begun. Perhaps you have already thought about a good resolution for 2019, or maybe not. For all those who are in this second case, it is not too late. If your first wish is to adopt a way of life to be happier in the next twelve months, the following concept may appeal to you. His name? The wabi-sabi.

It does not require any purchase, nor any real sacrifice (material, anyway). You already have everything you need. "It is a way of life that celebrates the art of imperfect perfection: the beauty that is hidden in the unusual, the places or the objects of fashion that are sometimes neglected or not appreciated" , says American author Julie Pointer Adams, in The book of wabi-sabi, published by First editions, in November.

Said like that, it seems a little vague. Like the hygge, a Danish art of living prone to serenity and calm, the concept of wabi-sabi is a bit difficult to define. It takes its name from the juxtaposition of two Japanese words. The first, "wabi", means simplicity, humility and a life in harmony with nature. As for the second, "sabi" is a reference to time passing and authenticity.

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It's a Japanese definition of well-being. The idea: to be satisfied with what one has to be happy, without trying to be perfect. For Julie Pointer Adams, "wabi-sabi" is an absolute necessity in our society. "We are saturated with images of 'perfection' in magazines or on screens […]", Details the adept in his work.

Focus on the essentials

In everyday life, it manifests itself in many ways. Starting with our way of behaving. One of the key ideas is to focus on the essentials and forget the rest. To do this, Julie Pointer Adams advises reviewing her priorities and giving up some things.

"Instead of filling out innumerable dates for a coffee, it's better to have a free Sunday to have time to eat, read and share good times with people you really love. advises the latter. […] We can also just keep one evening a week to invite someone to dinner. "

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This last example is important. It raises a theme that is dear to wabi-sabi. Which? Hospitality. To receive and warmly welcome someone is one of his great principles. It goes with the feeling of humility.

In Japan, for example, guests bow on arrival of a guest. In France, we do not do that much. But we could find alternatives. Why not bring the person back home, even if she lives miles away? Or why not lend slippers to guests when they come in?

Let the objects age

This humility, it is also found at home, in the decoration of his house (or his apartment). Wabi-sabi is a way of life that focuses on quality and sustainability. "It means having objects that get better with age and can be easily repaired," says Julie Pointer Adams.

She continues: "These objects are often made with materials that I consider humble because they are raw and natural and require little processing before being used, such as wood, wool, clay, paper. kraft, bamboo, linen, leather, stone, braided plants and iron ".

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But these materials are expensive. Investing in these involves one thing: giving up other purchases. But it is there, one of the foundation of this art of living, namely "to own less but better". Attention, however. This does not necessarily mean offering a "designer" garment or piece of furniture. No, the idea is to get an object that, for sure, will beautify over time. A way, too, to find value in every nook and cranny of your home.

However, do not bother getting rid of everything else that does not fit the criteria. Learn to see them age differently. Even if the wabi-sabi is accompanied by a particular aesthetic, the goal is rather "to learn to appreciate the objects that you possess without feeling constantly the need to buy others".

FIRST EDITIONS

"The Book of Wabi-sabi, The Art of the Perfectly Imperfect", by Julie Pointer Adams, First Editions.

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