Kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold, embodies a philosophy of embracing flaws and imperfections.

• Breakage: The pottery is broken, symbolizing life’s inevitable hardships. (Broken on purpose or by accident?)
• Repair: The pieces are carefully mended with lacquer and gold or silver, highlighting the cracks and broken places.
• Transformation: The repaired pottery is more beautiful and valuable than before.  It is unique now.
• Philosophy: Kintsugi teaches acceptance of change and finding beauty in the imperfect.

While you are on your Hero’s Journey, you should notice the parallels between Kintsugi and your Journey:

• Transformation Through Adversity: Both the Hero’s Journey and Kintsugi emphasize that true transformation occurs only through facing and overcoming challenges. The hero grows stronger and wiser, while the broken pottery becomes more beautiful.
• Embracing Imperfection: The Hero’s Journey often involves the hero accepting their flaws and limitations, much like Kintsugi celebrates the cracks and repairs as part of the object’s history. Parts are not hidden or denied.
• Value of Experience: In both, the journey or process is as important as the outcome. The hero’s experiences shape their character, just as the pottery’s history is integral to its beauty.
• Resilience and Renewal: Both narratives highlight resilience. The hero returns stronger, and the pottery, though broken, is renewed and enhanced.

This video explains well how Kintusgi represents healing the object.  Creating or finding a piece of Kintsugi of your own could be a powerful talisman for your Journey.

 

 

 

Photo by Matt Perkins on Unsplash