How to Incorporate Wabi Sabi in Daily Life: Practical Tips
- Shilpi Shah
- Feb 7
- 6 min read
Updated: Feb 25
Perfection is found in imperfection. Beauty lies in simplicity. These are the fundamental ideas behind Wabi Sabi, the Japanese philosophy that encourages us to embrace life’s impermanence and imperfections. But how can we bring this ancient wisdom into our daily lives in a way that feels both meaningful and doable?
In today’s world, we’re constantly bombarded with images of perfection—whether it’s on social media, in advertisements, or even in the homes we visit. We often feel pressured to create flawless surroundings, flawless appearances, and flawless lives.
This pursuit of perfection can be exhausting, leading us to overlook the quiet beauty found in imperfection. Wabi Sabi in life invites us to do the opposite: find peace in the imperfect, the incomplete, and the fleeting nature of life.
Imagine walking into a home filled with rustic furniture—perhaps a wooden table with scratches or a ceramic bowl with a small crack. Rather than viewing these as flaws, Daily Wabi Sabi practices encourages us to see the history and character they carry. The table might have been passed down through generations, and the crack in the bowl might tell a story of everyday use. These imperfections are not something to fix; they are what make these objects unique and full of life.
This philosophy isn’t just about the objects around us; it’s about how we view ourselves. How often do we feel disappointed by our own imperfections—whether it’s a flaw we can’t change, a mistake we’ve made, or a setback in our personal growth? Wabi Sabi practice teaches us that these imperfections are not something to hide or correct, but essential parts of what make us whole. For example, maybe you’ve faced a challenging situation at work or in a relationship. Instead of seeing it as a failure, Wabi Sabi invites you to view it as a moment of growth and learning—an integral part of your journey.
Now, how can we apply these timeless teachings in practical, everyday ways? Here are a few Wabi Sabi tips to help you live with more authenticity, peace, and appreciation for the beauty found in imperfection.
1. Begin with Accepting Imperfection in Your Home
We often strive for spotless homes with perfect decor, but living Wabi Sabi invites us to celebrate the natural wear and tear of life.
Real-Life Wabi Sabi Tips:
Keep a cracked ceramic mug and use it daily, appreciating its story and resilience.
Instead of hiding an old, scratched wooden table, display it with pride, knowing it has served generations.
Let your bookshelves be a little messy. A book out of place is a sign of use, not disorder.
Out-of-the-box takeaway: If something breaks, don’t toss it. Instead, repair it with Kintsugi—a Japanese art of mending broken pottery with gold. It transforms flaws into something uniquely beautiful.
Quote to reflect on: “There is a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in.” – Leonard Cohen
2. Slow Down and Savor the Moment
In today’s fast-paced world, we rush through meals, conversations, and even rest. Wabi Sabi in life teaches us to slow down and find beauty in the ordinary. Live In The Moment!
Real Life Wabi Sabi Tips:
Have tea in silence, noticing the warmth of the cup, the aroma, and each sip.
Walk barefoot on the grass, feeling the earth beneath your feet.
Instead of multitasking, try ‘mono-tasking’—doing one thing at a time with full attention.
Out-of-the-box takeaway: Practice ‘sunset watching.’ No phone, no talking—just watch the sun set and notice the changing colors. It’s a free, daily reminder that nothing lasts forever, and that’s what makes it precious.
Quote to reflect on: “Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” – Lao Tzu
3. Find Beauty in Aging and Natural Wear
Society often teaches us to fight aging, but minimalist Wabi Sabi sees aging as a sign of a life well-lived. The same goes for objects—worn-out leather, sun-faded fabric, and wrinkles on the skin are signs of use and stories. Finding Joy in Imperfection.
Real Life Wabi Sabi Tips:
Wear that old pair of jeans that fits perfectly instead of chasing new trends.
Keep a journal and write about your experiences—over time, you’ll appreciate your growth.
Compliment people not on their youth or appearance, but on their wisdom and kindness.
Out-of-the-box takeaway: Try a “no-filter” day on social media. Post an unedited, real-life picture instead of a polished one.
Quote to reflect on: “Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been.” – Mark Twain
4. Declutter, but Keep Meaningful Objects
Minimalism often promotes getting rid of things, but Wabi Sabi suggests keeping things that carry meaning—even if they’re old or imperfect.
Real Life Wabi Sabi Tips:
Instead of buying new decor, arrange meaningful objects like a childhood toy, an old letter, or a handmade bowl.
Keep a single wall in your home bare to appreciate negative space.
Use fewer, high-quality utensils rather than a cluttered drawer full of unused ones.
Out-of-the-box takeaway: Try the “one-in, one-out” rule: When you buy something new, give away or donate one old item.
Quote to reflect on: “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” – William Morris
5. Appreciate the Fleeting Nature of Life
Nothing lasts forever, and that’s what makes things valuable. Daily Wabi Sabi practices teach us to accept and cherish the temporary nature of all things.
Real Life Wabi Sabi Tips:
Take a daily photo of something ordinary—a shadow, a fallen leaf, an unposed smile—to capture fleeting beauty.
Enjoy seasonal foods instead of seeking out-of-season produce. This aligns you with nature’s rhythm.
Let go of grudges—nothing is permanent, even emotions.
Out-of-the-box takeaway: Write a ‘goodbye letter’ to something you’re holding onto—an old dream, a past relationship, a former version of yourself. Then, either burn it or keep it as a token of acceptance.
Quote to reflect on: “This too shall pass.” – Persian proverb
6. Simplify Your Daily Routine
Living Wabi Sabi isn’t about doing more; it’s about doing less but with more depth.
Real Life Wabi Sabi Tips:
Eat simple meals. Instead of complex recipes, enjoy a bowl of rice with fresh vegetables.
Try journaling just one sentence a day instead of feeling pressured to write pages.
Reduce digital noise—unsubscribe from emails you don’t read and follow fewer social media accounts.
Out-of-the-box takeaway: Set a “technology-free” hour each day. No screens, just presence.
Quote to reflect on: “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” – Leonardo da Vinci
Living Wabi Sabi Daily
Imagine looking back at your life—not with regret over imperfections, but with gratitude for the stories they tell. That’s Wabi Sabi in life.
Wabi Sabi is not a trend—it’s a way of living that can bring more peace, joy, and contentment into your daily life. It’s about shifting your mindset to see beauty in what’s already around you, rather than always seeking something new or perfect.
Love in Imperfection: A Wabi-Sabi Guide to Relationships
Start small. Notice imperfections. Slow down. Appreciate what is fleeting. And, most importantly, find joy in the ordinary. In relationships, for example, Wabi Sabi invites us to appreciate the small, quiet moments that make up the fabric of love. It’s not always about grand gestures or perfect harmony. Sometimes, it’s in the spontaneous laughter over a shared joke, the quiet companionship in the stillness of a morning, or even the moments of disagreement that lead to growth and understanding. These imperfections, instead of pushing us away, actually bring us closer to one another.
When we apply Wabi Sabi to our relationships, we begin to appreciate the imperfections in others, just as we would appreciate them in ourselves. The quirks, the flaws, and the little habits that might have once frustrated us become part of what makes the other person unique and lovable. We stop expecting perfection and instead begin to value the genuine, the real, and the authentic.
After all, the most beautiful things in life are often the simplest ones. Think of a favorite song, a walk in the park, or a shared meal with a loved one. These experiences, though simple, are often the ones that leave the most lasting impact. They are rich in meaning because they are unpretentious and rooted in the present moment. Wabi Sabi invites us to recognize these moments, savor them, and let them bring us peace.
By now, you might see that Wabi Sabi isn’t about changing your life overnight, but about small, mindful shifts. It’s about stepping back, letting go of perfection, and finding comfort and beauty in the imperfections of life. Whether it’s in your relationships, your surroundings, or your personal journey, Wabi Sabi reminds us that there is much to be appreciated in what we already have. By embracing the impermanent and imperfect, we can live more authentically, deeply, and peacefully.
Which Wabi Sabi tips feel most doable for you today? Pick one, try it, and share how it changed your perspective!
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Wishing you strength, resilience, and limitless growth!
Love & Light,
Shilpi
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