Sometime back, on our company's facebook page, I had posted a link about Kintsugi. I believe a few of you were wondering what that was about and how come it was on our page.
Well, here it goes.
Few months back, I came across a person, coming from a broken family and still wanted to make something through entrepreneurial ventures. This person came with a lot of baggage was is somehow managing to just survive through corrupted government officials, pandemic crisis, financial breakdown, broken marriage, and raising children as a single parent.
Now how to help someone coming from so much and helping the person to change a set of beliefs, at the same time complementing their courage?
I searched around, and came across this concept of "Kintsugi". Briefly:
Nevertheless, an amazing concept, now how to apply this in real life?
Lucky for you, I have designed few ways to go about it! But this article is not about that. Instead, this article will highlight the life lessons that the Art of Kintsugi can teach us.
Kintsugi as a Metaphor
Life throws a lot at you. It has a habit of doing that to everyone. By using Kintsugi as a metaphor, you can help you see that the broken, painful, and the most difficult parts of you as a radiating light and golden beauty.
Not really an Oscar, but nothing short of it either!"When you think you are broken, you can pick up the pieces, put them back together, and learn to embrace the cracks." - Candace Kumai
Kintsugi as a Life's Motto
Believe me, I have been there. Even when there is no visible path nor any surity of the future. Especially, when you feel that you have been backstabbed by your loved ones or very close friends.
Believe me, I have been there.
Having a life's motto can actually help you undergo a few miracles along the way. It is okay to feel bad, pity or guilt. Sometimes, we get so stuck with the patterns of beating ourselves up and the blame game, that we loose control of ourselves.
Kintsugi as a motto really does wonders. Even if you are "not good enough" in others eyes, it is okay to to feel hurt. Kintsugi teaches us that it is okay to feel hurt, grieve or even cry. It is okay to take time out for us to come back, open up and become more compassionate selves.
Wish I had known that much earlier! It would have had saved me a lot of uncomfortable emotions and acceptance would have had been easier.
Anyway, back to the article.
Emotionally, Kintsugi helps you to become more kind towards yourselves!
It is all about forgiving yourselves. There is no way that you would have had known or experienced what you did, earlier. Life is like that.
Everyone makes mistakes. Even the so called perfectionists. Trust me, I have those plenty around me to know this.
Kintsugi taught me to practice self love.
OK, all selfish people do that anyway. So does that make you selfish too?
No, it does not. It helps you to gain wisdom, reflect on your actions / reactions, and helps you to appreciate you as a person. It always begins with self.
As they say, 
We are all consumed by the replay of our memories actions. When we trap ourselves in that state, do remember the act of why this must stop. And letting go is equally important. Even if you are on the verge of seeking revenge. Remember, the only one who is left hurting at the end, is YOU. But this we will cover some other time.
Kintsugi leads to Progression
We go through so much as people at home, work and social life. Sometimes, moving on when surrounded by so many conflicts and conflicting emotions seem hard. But when we start mastering the feelings behind these emotions, eventually we will master self and come back stronger than before!
Trust the process. Believe in yourself. I know life is not fair. But understand, that everything that is happening will make sense one day and when you look back from the future YOU, everything just works out by connecting the dots.
It always will. Take as much time needed. This is no race. There is no hurry.
Kintsugi promotes Learning Mindset
Of the 7 mindsets that help you succeed in life, this is one of the important ones. Do search this article on "the 7 Mindsets that you need to succeed in life" on our company's facebook page. A very informative and interesting article this was.
Back to the current article now.
Life is so wonderful and there is just so many things to do, learn and explore that most times, having one lifetime seems really a short period of time!
Did you know, that in this week alone, I have learnt about 3D pens, Zuri resin, and Kintsugi art forms?! And I still want to learn about how to make videos using Adobe tools and photoshop! But wait, that is not what is to be covered here. "Shruti, do focus on the article please!"
Kintsugi teaches us to be honest in our approach and open towards knowledge.
Find some time to learn something new everyday. It just keeps you going forward and cheers you up tremendously!
Kintsugi says "Imperfections are Golden"
So cherish them!
Face Life with full vigor and head on! Like I said, no one is perfect. In fact perfection exists only in the eyes of the beholder! The beauty is not in the perfect circle of life, or assignment completion or presentation made. It lies in the mistakes committed, how you bounced back and improvised a new thing right there, or found another way to tackle that mountain of work!
Even your chores seem less dull around Kintsugi!
Do remember, that like the roads of the world, the path of life is not straight. There are many curves, cracks and need for maintenance (You get the idea!) which only you need to overcome.
In fact, (and do reflect), that some of your hardest and trickiest challenges, deepest wounds and greatest fears are actually amongst the most beautiful and admirable aspects of you as a person.
Kintsugi helps you develop Spiritual Awareness
Kintsugi helps you build resilience.
Kintsugi and Zen philosophy are very similar. As you learn more about you in this light, you master few skills along the way. These skills are art of creativity, resilience, patience and humility.
A constant reminder that we are all very unique in our own way. Sometimes, it takes a lot to discover something so simple as this.
Eventually, everything just boils down to good old:
- high morals
- respect for self
- respect (and acceptance) of others - the way they are
- value and acceptance of Truth
- good hygiene of life
- eating healthily
- meditation
- courage
- value of work and life
- internal peace
- developing a conscience and awakened mind (spiritually)
- art of letting go
Thank you for reading this article!
(Phew! Finished finally!) Do enjoy till we meet again next time folks!
= Article contributed by Coach Shruti Misra Sharma, a Entrepreneurial Leadership Coach, ABNLP certified NLP Trainer and HRD Consultant
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