Hey Reader,

Welcome back to Living Better—your ultimate playbook for a life well-lived.

When was the last time you admired something not despite, but because of its imperfections?

Today, we're venturing into the serene world of Wabi-Sabi: an ancient Japanese philosophy where imperfection isn't just accepted, but celebrated.

How might embracing imperfection in your daily life change your perspective on beauty and fulfillment? Let’s take a closer look.

Today's Sneak Peek...

Long-Form Reads: Ageism, Trauma Healing, Beauty Standards, Postpartum, Mental Health, Social Media
Quote: The Ultimate Contentment.
Science: Increasing Serenity, Reinterpreting Flaws.
Beyond LWM: Magnificence Of Imperfection.
Strategies: How To Embrace Wabi-Sabi.

Long-Form Reads

MEET JENNIFER, the woman sharing her journey to embracing the aging process.

“There comes a moment in a woman’s life when she arrives at her place of self. Some arrive quickly, while others take the scenic route…”

READ JENNIFER'S STORY

MEET LESLEY, the trauma survivor detailing why imperfection is core to one's healing.

"I recently sat through hours of testimony by the man I once loved, very much, who detailed everything that was flawed about me...”

READ LESLEY'S STORY

MEET NATAUSHA, the woman expressing why she no longer strives to be pretty or thin.

"I used to spend hours getting ready. Every hair strand crisped to perfection, my skin plastered with concealer to shield my imperfections…”

READ NATAUSHA'S STORY

MEET LISA, the mom flipping the script on "imperfect" postpartum bodies.

“I understand what it's like to love your child with your whole being and still feel like your body is not your own…”

READ LISA'S STORY

MEET JENNIFER, the woman who learned to accept her imperfect journey with mental health.

"Perfection wasn’t in the picture any longer. I'd be the best person I could be from day to day. Perfectly imperfect. That’s me. That’s all of us…”

READ JENNIFER'S STORY

MEET RACHAEL, the woman exploring social media's negative impact on ideas of perfection.

"My best memories aren’t styled and posed, they’re messy and spontaneous. Because life is a little more beautiful when it’s imperfect...”

READ RACHAEL'S STORY

Embracing Imperfection: The Wabi-Sabi Way

Wabi-Sabi, a profound Japanese aesthetic, teaches us to find beauty in the imperfections of life and tranquility in the natural process of growing and aging. It's a concept deeply rooted in Zen Buddhism, emphasizing simplicity, modesty, and appreciating the imperfect and transient nature of the world.

➣ Go Deeper: Finding Beauty In Life's Imperfections

Quote

“Wabi sabi teaches us to be content with less in a way that feels like more. Less stuff, more soul. Less hustle, more ease. Less mass consumption, more unique creation. Less judgment, more forgiveness. Less resistance, more resilience. Less control, more surrender. Less head, more heart.”

- Beth Kempton

Neuroscience Behind Imperfection

Neuroscientifically, embracing imperfection can lead to a significant reduction in stress and anxiety. The pursuit of perfection often triggers the brain's stress responses, causing an array of psychological and physiological effects. By accepting imperfection, we can activate the brain's reward pathways, fostering feelings of contentment and serenity.

➣ Go Deeper: Embracing Imperfections Can Improve Your Life

QUIZ: Which of the following statements about imperfections is false?

1. Embracing imperfections lessens the brain's stress responses
2. There is beauty to be found in imperfections
3. Imperfections should be accepted, but not celebrated
4. Stressing imperfections can have harmful psychological effects

Behavioral Science Perspective

From a behavioral science standpoint, Wabi-Sabi aligns with the concept of cognitive reappraisal, or changing how we perceive and react to our environment. By reinterpreting our imperfections as unique characteristics, we cultivate greater self-compassion and empathy towards others.

➣ Go Deeper: Cognitive Reappraisal & Thought Re-Framing

Beyond LWM: The Magnificence Of Imperfection

Cheryl Hunter comes at her work with a multi-pronged approach, having merged seemingly-divergent careers around one idea: that a simple story, well told and presented, has tremendous potential to educate, entertain, and impact others.

Why Wabi-Sabi Matters

In a world where we're constantly bombarded with ideals of perfection, Wabi-Sabi offers a refreshing counter-narrative. It teaches us resilience, reminding us that beauty and strength often lie in the most unexpected places—in the worn, the old, and the impermanent. By embracing Wabi-Sabi, we not only enrich our own lives but also foster a more accepting and empathic society.

➣ Go Deeper: Wabi-Sabi And Enhancing Cognition

Wabi Sabi And Mental Health

Embracing Wabi-Sabi can have profound implications for mental health. It encourages a shift from self-criticism to self-compassion, alleviating feelings of inadequacy and promoting mental well-being.

Remember, in the tapestry of life, every thread, no matter how frayed, holds a unique beauty. Embrace the imperfections in your life, and you'll find a deeper, more authentic form of beauty and happiness.

➣ Go Deeper: How Wabi-Sabi Promotes Well-Being

POLL: Which natural wonder do you find to be the most beautiful?

1. Waterfalls
2. Caves
3. Hot springs
4. Mountains

FUN FACT: Did you know waterfalls, caves, hot springs, and mountains are all created through imperfections in the earth's crust? That's right! These marvelous natural occurrences are technically environment flaws.

What beautiful imperfections do you have?

How To Embrace Wabi-Sabi In Your Life

As Leonard Koren writes, "Wabi-Sabi is the beauty of things imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete." Wabi-Sabi isn't just an aesthetic; it's a way of life. By embracing our imperfections and the transience of life, we can find true beauty and tranquility, beginning with these simple steps:

Celebrate Natural Aging: Reject society’s obsession with youth. Cherish the stories behind every line and wrinkle, as they represent wisdom and life’s journey.
Appreciate the Beauty in Flawed Objects: Surround yourself with objects that have a history. Whether it's a cracked vase or a worn book, these items have a story and an inherent beauty in their flaws.
Mindful Acceptance: Practice mindfulness to accept the present moment and your current state without judgment. This acceptance cultivates a deeper connection with the true essence of life.
Reframe Perfectionism: Challenge perfectionist tendencies by setting realistic goals and celebrating progress, not just outcomes.
Connect with Nature: Nature is the epitome of impermanent beauty. Observe how landscapes change with seasons, embodying the transient perfection of Wabi-Sabi.

➣ Go Deeper: Wabi-Sabi And The Psychology Of Imperfection

Community Spotlight

Dive into the heartwarming stories and inspiring journeys of fellow Living Better community members!

Each week, we'll highlight your very own experiences, challenges, and triumphs to showcase hope, kindness, and overcoming adversity.

This week, we're highlighting Melanie's touching story:

"I took my son Hudson, who has Down syndrome, to the park the other day. Another little boy was there with his mom. He looked to be about 3-4 years old.

Hudson walked over close to where the little boy was and sat down to play in the wood chips while I stood off to the side watching.

Within a few minutes, the little boy noticed Hudson. And as soon as he did, he started to stare at him.

He stared at Hudson for quite a long time with this inquisitive look on his face, like he was trying to figure something out.

It was the kind of look that makes me start getting prepared for the 'Why does he look like that?' or the 'What’s wrong with him?' questions that so often come with a young child’s curiosity.

But instead what the little boy said took me completely by surprise.

After staring at Hudson for what seemed like forever, he opened his mouth and said very matter-of-factly, 'He’s so cute.'

And then just like that, he walked away to go play on the swings. I was speechless.

A few minutes later, his mom took his hand and they left the park. Looking back, I wish I had said something to her before they left.

I wish I had told her how those innocent and sweet words from her son brought tears to my eyes.

I wish I had told her that she was raising an extraordinary boy who saw past Hudson’s differences and saw his beauty.

I wish I had told her that it was the first time a peer of Hudson’s had said that.

I wish I had told her that her son gave me hope after having the opposite experience earlier that week—one that left me feeling a little defeated.

There was no coaching from anyone. No one whispered in this little boy’s ear what to say. He just said it as if he believed it was true.

And I know that might seem like such a small thing, but to me on that day, it meant everything.

So thank you to those who are raising their kids or grandkids to be kind and accepting. Because sometimes it’s the smallest acts of kindness that can make the biggest difference."

- Melanie Droubay, Living Better subscriber

Until next time, live well.