What do you do when you get sick right before an important exam? How do you feel when the person you love chooses someone else? Or when you’ve had a rough day at work and then hit another car on your way home?

It’s natural to feel frustrated, upset, or even angry in these situations. But today, let’s continue to explore the Japanese philosophy of Wabi-sabi, which can help us bring more peace and grace into our everyday lives.

Wabi teaches us to find beauty in humble simplicity, while Sabi encourages us to see the hidden beauty even in things that seem broken or imperfect.

Photo: Etsy.com

A: Acceptance at Its Core

The Japanese term “Uketamo” means “I humbly accept with an open heart.”

This idea can help you in many challenging moments:

  • You failed your exam. Uketamo.
  • Someone you trusted betrayed you. Uketamo.
  • You had a tough day. Uketamo.

One of the most important lessons in life is learning to accept what comes your way, both the good and the bad. The sooner you accept situations as they are, the less suffering you’ll experience. We often label situations as “good” or “bad,” but acceptance frees you from these judgments and allows you to move forward. By embracing whatever happens, you gain the strength to stand up and try again.

F: Freedom from Suffering

Through acceptance, you can find freedom. But it’s not the kind of freedom where you act out in anger, retaliation, or revenge. Instead, it’s the freedom from negative emotions and behaviors. When you say, “I humbly accept with an open heart,” your heart opens up to love and forgiveness. Even in difficult times, you can maintain inner peace and happiness. This is the beauty of Sabi: seeing the hidden beauty beneath the surface, even in situations that seem broken at first.

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G: Growth from Struggles

Have you ever heard the story of the old donkey that fell into a dry well? Here’s a quick summary: The donkey’s owner couldn’t figure out how to get him out, so he decided to bury him there. Terrified, the donkey shook with fear with each shovel of dirt that was thrown onto him. But then something amazing happened: the donkey realized that as the dirt piled up, he could step on it and rise higher. Eventually, he was able to escape.

This story shows us how acceptance can turn struggle into growth. Even when life seems hard, we can use challenges to rise above them and become stronger.

Wabi-sabi isn’t just an abstract concept—it’s a practical philosophy. By embracing acceptance, freedom, and growth, we can navigate life’s challenges with grace. Let’s choose to live in a way that values the beauty of imperfection and makes space for peace in our hearts.

With love,

Little-pencil