Kintsugi is what the Japanese refer to as the” art of golden joinery.”  In the 15^th century,  shogun Ashikaga Youshimaga dropped a cherished tea pot and the ceramic  vessel broke into pieces.  He sent it to China to be repaired.  The resultant repairs, with ugly metal staples, were so shocking that the Japanese began experimenting to discover a better way to repair broken ceramics. Firing lacquer resin sprinkled with gold dust as infill, Japanese craftsmen developed this new art of Kintsugi and it became so popular that people deliberately broke ceramics simply to enhance their beauty. 

 

It is remarkable to me, that there are those creative persons who can take something broken, and turn it into a beautiful piece of art.

 

I’ve been thinking about Kintsugi for some time now and the notion has occurred to me that perhaps we human beings will do ourselves some good to learn from our Japanese friends.  Each of us have “broken” parts of our lives.  Sometimes they are physical – like Olympian Oscoar Pistorius (blade runner).  Sometimes, though, the damaged parts  are mental or spiritual.  Singer/song writer James Taylor has a well documented history of mental illness that runs through his family.  Yet, “Fire and Rain,” - - - a story about this dilemma - - - is a wonderful work that has stirred millions of music lovers.  One thing about the human spirit :  it is indomitable .  If we are determined, there is little that can stop us. 

 

My wish for you is that you find that which is in you to employ spiritual Kintsugi to achieve your fondest hopes and dreams.