Kintsugi Wellness

1. Kintsugi: Embrace Your Imperfections as Strengths

Kintsugi teaches you that your broken places make you stronger and better than ever before.

Golden Repair. Kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold, serves as a powerful metaphor for life. Instead of hiding our flaws, we should embrace them as unique and valuable parts of our story. The cracks, like scars, are not signs of weakness but rather testaments to our resilience and growth.

Transformation through struggle. Just as a kintsugi-repaired vessel is more beautiful and precious than before, our struggles and setbacks can transform us into stronger, more compassionate individuals. The process of healing and putting ourselves back together is what makes us unique and valuable. It's about seeing our brokenness not as a defect, but as an opportunity for growth and self-discovery.

Self-acceptance. Kintsugi encourages us to accept ourselves fully, flaws and all. It's about recognizing that our imperfections are what make us human and that we don't need to be perfect to be worthy of love and respect. This self-acceptance is the foundation for true healing and personal growth.

2. Wabi-Sabi: Find Beauty in the Imperfect and Transient

Life can’t be perfect forever.

Impermanence is natural. Wabi-sabi is a Japanese philosophy that celebrates the beauty of imperfection, simplicity, and the transient nature of all things. It reminds us that nothing lasts forever, and that there is beauty to be found in the natural process of aging, decay, and change. It's about appreciating the present moment and finding joy in the simple things.

Embrace asymmetry. Wabi-sabi encourages us to let go of our obsession with perfection and symmetry. It teaches us to appreciate the beauty of asymmetry, flaws, and the unique character that comes with age and use. A chipped teacup, a wilting flower, or a weathered building can be just as beautiful as something new and flawless.

Mindful living. Wabi-sabi is not just an aesthetic; it's a way of life. It encourages us to live more mindfully, to appreciate the beauty of the present moment, and to find joy in the simple things. It's about accepting the natural flow of life, with all its imperfections and changes.

3. Gaman: Cultivate Resilience Through Patience and Tolerance

Gaman is about being tolerant, holding back your desires or anger, and ultimately letting them go.

Endurance and self-control. Gaman is the Japanese concept of enduring difficult times with patience, resilience, and self-control. It's about remaining calm and composed in the face of adversity, rather than reacting impulsively or dramatically. It's about cultivating inner strength and the ability to withstand challenges.

Stress reduction. Gaman teaches us not to make a situation worse by elevating the drama. It encourages us to pause, take a deep breath, and assess things calmly before taking action. By holding back negative thoughts and urges, we can reduce stress and create more peace in our lives.

Practical application. Gaman can be practiced in our everyday lives, whether it's dealing with a stressful workday, a bad mood, or a misunderstanding. It's about learning to be patient, tolerant, and resilient, and to let go of what we cannot control. It's about finding inner peace and strength in the face of adversity.

4. Eiyōshoku: Nourish Your Body with Intention

Cooking and eating nourishing foods are the foundations of my kintsugi-inspired self-care.

Food as self-care. Eiyōshoku emphasizes the importance of nourishing our bodies with intention. It's about recognizing that food is not just fuel, but also a source of energy, healing, and well-being. It's about choosing whole, fresh, and unprocessed foods that support our physical and mental health.

Mindful cooking. Cooking for ourselves is a form of self-care that allows us to connect with our food and appreciate the process of nourishment. It's about using all five senses and finding joy in the simple act of preparing a meal. It's also about being grateful for the food that sustains us.

Japanese pantry basics. The book introduces key Japanese pantry staples like kombu, nori, wakame, shoyu, goma abura, kome su, mirin, soba, udon, matcha, and miso. These ingredients are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients that support overall health and well-being. It's about embracing a balanced and diverse diet.

5. Ki o Tsukete: Practice Mindful Self-Care

Ki o tsukete reminds me to also take good care of myself, to pay attention, stand tall, be independent—all the things Mom always told me.

Sincere care. Ki o tsukete, a common Japanese phrase, means "take care," "be kind to yourself," and "pay attention." It's a reminder to be mindful of our own needs and to prioritize self-care. It's about recognizing that we cannot pour from an empty cup and that we must first take care of ourselves before we can care for others.

Self-awareness. Ki o tsukete encourages us to look inward and become more aware of our own thoughts, feelings, and needs. It's about understanding what makes us feel good and what drains our energy. It's about setting boundaries and making choices that support our well-being.

Trust your intuition. Ki o tsukete also emphasizes the importance of trusting our own decisions and following our intuition. It's about being independent and not letting others dictate our path. It's about listening to our inner voice and making choices that align with our values and goals.

6. Ganbatte: Always Strive to Do Your Best

The true reward is feeling like you are making a difference in the world around you.

Effort and dedication. Ganbatte is the Japanese concept of always doing your best. It's about putting in the effort, working hard, and striving for excellence in all that we do. It's about giving our all, not just when others are watching, but also in our private practices.

Continuous improvement. Ganbatte is not about perfection; it's about continuous improvement. It's about recognizing that we can always learn and grow, and that we should never stop striving to be better. It's about embracing the journey and finding joy in the process of growth.

Honesty and integrity. Ganbatte also emphasizes the importance of honesty and integrity. It's about being true to ourselves and others, and about acting in accordance with our values. It's about doing the right thing, even when it's difficult, and about being a person of character.

7. Shikata Ga Nai: Accept What You Cannot Change

The greatest lesson I have learned is to let go of what was not meant to be.

Letting go. Shikata ga nai, or shō ga nai, means "it cannot be helped." It's about accepting what we cannot change and letting go of our attachment to outcomes. It's about recognizing that some things are simply beyond our control and that we should not waste our energy trying to fix them.

Reduce rumination. Shikata ga nai encourages us to stop dwelling on the past and to move forward with grace and acceptance. It's about letting go of grudges, resentments, and negative thoughts that hold us back. It's about making peace with the present moment and focusing on what we can control.

Adaptability. Shikata ga nai is not about giving up; it's about adapting to the circumstances and finding new ways to move forward. It's about being flexible, resilient, and open to change. It's about recognizing that life is full of unexpected twists and turns, and that we must learn to roll with the punches.

8. Yuimaru: Nurture Your Inner Circle

Connection is what keeps us together.

Community and support. Yuimaru is an Okinawan concept that celebrates the value of togetherness and the importance of our inner circle of close friends and family. It's about recognizing that we all need to rely on one another for support, love, and connection. It's about building strong relationships and nurturing our social networks.

Vulnerability and authenticity. Yuimaru encourages us to be vulnerable and authentic with those we love. It's about sharing our true selves, our struggles, and our triumphs, and about creating a safe space for others to do the same. It's about building relationships based on trust, honesty, and mutual respect.

Reciprocal support. Yuimaru is not just about receiving support; it's also about giving back to our community. It's about being there for our friends and family, offering our help, and celebrating their successes. It's about creating a circle of love and support that nourishes us all.

9. Kansha: Cultivate Sincere Gratitude

When you genuinely start to support the success of others, it will come back to you!

Appreciation and thankfulness. Kansha is the Japanese concept of cultivating sincere gratitude. It's about appreciating the gifts we've been given, the people in our lives, and the opportunities that come our way. It's about recognizing the good in our lives and expressing our thankfulness.

Positive mindset. Kansha helps us to shift our focus from what we lack to what we have. It encourages us to see the world through a lens of abundance and to appreciate the simple things in life. It's about cultivating a positive mindset and finding joy in the present moment.

Giving back. Kansha is not just about feeling grateful; it's also about giving back to our community. It's about using our talents and resources to help others and to make a positive impact on the world. It's about recognizing that we are all interconnected and that we have a responsibility to care for one another.

10. Osettai: Be of Service and Welcome Gifts

Osettai also includes warm wishes sent to people, or that people send you.

Generosity and hospitality. Osettai is a Shikoku concept that refers to the gifts and hospitality that pilgrims receive along their journey. It's about being of service to others and welcoming gifts with an open heart. It's about recognizing that we are all interconnected and that we have a responsibility to care for one another.

Sharing your gifts. Osettai encourages us to share our unique talents and gifts with the world. It's about using our skills, knowledge, and resources to help others and to make a positive impact on our communities. It's about recognizing that we all have something valuable to offer.

Openness to receive. Osettai is not just about giving; it's also about being open to receiving. It's about recognizing that we all need help and support at times, and that we should not be afraid to accept gifts from others. It's about cultivating a spirit of generosity and reciprocity.

Last updated: May 7, 2025