The Beauty in the Imperfect

“All around, no flowers in bloom

Nor maple leaves in glare”

-Fujiwara no Teika

Wabi-Sabi, a Japanese aesthetic, is about the beauty of things imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete. It values truth that comes from the observation of nature.

Today as I look onto the scrappy leafless aspen grove and snow melt mud in my backyard, I am aware that my mind relishes the past, “those lively aspens, sunlit leaves dancing in the breeze,” and awaits the future, “the luscious greens and joyful wildflowers.”

I catch myself.

How often am I wanting something different than the present? 

Can I embrace the inevitable withered branches and ugly dirt?

Can I let go and accept?

My intuition is knocking - what else is in the late winter season of its life?

What does this bring up for you?