When we look beyond the flaws..

While casually scrolling through my Insta account, I came across a page about a rather remarkable Japanese art- Kintsugi or Kintsukiroi , a Japanese art of repairing broken pottery pieces by joining them with lacquered gold.

As I read more about it, the profound beauty and symbolic significance of this simple process in context of human relationships made me reflect.

Human relationships, especially marriages are a strong yet fragile bond. Two people when together can overcome any obstacle, and yet can disintegrate and grow apart at the slightest provocation.

 A relationship works in the long term only when both partners are committed to make it work and help each other evolve. Many a times, older couples feel jaded and give up when things become difficult – as we grow older our priorities and expectations from ourselves, and our relationships also undergo a change. Most often, these are obstacles and difficulties that can be easily managed, however our egos, real and imagined hurts and pride prevent us from reaching out. What ensues is a gradual breakdown of communication and the eventual loss of the will to keep the relationship alive.

It is here that the wisdom of Kintsugi can help us. A relationship is a shared story, a journey the partners have embarked on; somewhere down the long road we forget that we are together and try to forge our own paths. Kintsugi inspires us to embrace the imperfections of our partner, letting go of old patterns and opening oneself to new possibilities to grow and change, while still holding on to the values and commitments that gold is together.

A mended relationship will always have its lines and scars, but when we mend them with gold, we are filling in the cracks with something precious. Those cracks are not something to be unhappy about, rather they are the badge of honour – they remind us that there is beauty in imperfections, and everything is worth salvaging and celebrating. This simple and deep Japanese philosophy inspires us to have faith in the gentle healing of love and the power of renewal and restoration.