Feng shui may be in, but wabi sabi is what is “it” for savionaires. Wabi sabi is not an Asian sauce or drink. Instead, it is an ancient Japanese aesthetic. It is similar to shabby chic or rustic design. Wabi means simplicity and sabi means natural beauty. This system values things that are impermanent, incomplete and imperfect. Hardwood floors and wild flowers are preferred over Berber carpet and perfectly cut roses. Unfortunately, it is hard for westerners to grasp wabi sabi since we put a lot of emphasis on perfection and artificial beauty.
Wabi sabi does not just apply to home life. Since it is a way of life, it applies to your personal life as well. Clutter, arrogance, gaudiness, and mindlessness are all no-no’s. Organization, humbleness, elegance, and consideration are examples of simple notions that will bring about balance and harmony to all aspects of your life.
Check out the following recommended books on wabi sabi:
*Taro Gold’s Living Wabi Sabi (Andrews McMeel Publishing; Hardback; 144 pages; $10.95)
*Robyn Griggs Lawrence’s The Wabi-Sabi House (Clarkson Potter; Hardback; 192 pages; $25)
*Richard R. Powell’s Wabi Sabi Simple (Adams Media; Tradeback; 198 pages; $9.95)