Kintsugi is a traditional Japanese technique for repairing broken pottery, using gold or silver powder to beautifully mend the broken parts. It symbolizes not just repair but also the acceptance of damage as beauty, finding new value in it.
By highlighting the cracks and breaks rather than hiding them, kintsugi embraces the fact that the item was broken, seeing it as an essential part of its history. This process transforms the piece into a beautiful work of art, often increasing its value. The gold or silver used in the repair becomes an accent, enhancing the overall beauty of the piece. Furthermore, no two repaired items are identical, adding to their uniqueness and charm.
The philosophy of kintsugi can be applied to our own emotional wounds and experiences that may seem like failures. By carefully healing these wounds and reinterpreting them from a new perspective, we can accept them as part of our life. This allows us to grow stronger and be reborn beautifully.