Kintsugi is the Japanese art of putting broken pottery pieces back together with gold — built on the idea that in embracing flaws and imperfections, you can create an even stronger, more beautiful piece of art. Every break is unique and instead of repairing an item like new, the 400-year-old technique actually highlights the “scars” as a part of the design. Using this as a metaphor for healing ourselves teaches us an important lesson: Sometimes in the process of repairing things that have broken, we actually create something more unique, beautiful and resilient. In my research, I came across this chef turned author by the name of Candice Kumai. Candice is best known for her clean green smoothies, matcha confections and healthy comfort foods. But in her new book, Kintsugi Wellness: The Japanese Art of Nourishing Mind, Body, and Spirit, the classically trained chef takes us on a different journey to healing and health by exploring the powerful message behind Kintsugi.
Kintsugi has elements of synergy. Synergy is the interaction or cooperation of two or more organizations, substances, or other agents to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects.
Here are some things I thought were Kintsugi is relevant to our personal recovery.
- It is the perfect compare and contrast between what I did and what I do.
- Who I thought I was and who I really am.
- My ability to connect with others
- Those I connect with can use my restoration as evidence they can achieve this as well
- My reminder that I need to continue in my forward progress
- That absolutely anyone can be restored from whatever their past was
- If we can recover from this what else can we accomplish
- Knowing that we have a message that starts from within and moves outward
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Robert Pardon
Robert is the Recovery Guy. Getting clean and sober on April 25, 1986 has given me the insight and practical skill set to not only stay sober, but to also re-invent myself to the person I always wanted to become. Showing others how to do this is my life goal.
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