The Kintsugi Bowl: A Powerful Symbol of Resilience
Resilience is a journey of transformation.
Included in my definition of resilience means to embrace the act of reshaping and regrowing into your true self. As I sat down to write Mastering Resilience: Transforming Into Your Purpose, I wanted to pair the act of resilience with a symbol. Something that would represent the amazing journey each and every one of us pursues.
If you take a look at the book’s cover and you’ll see the symbol I chose. The Kintsugi bowl. This piece of Japanese pottery has become a global emblem for recovery from trauma. When I saw my first Kintsugi bowl many years ago, I knew that I would use it as a metaphor to help others. The symbolism of the bowl inspired much of what I write about in the book.
Today, I’d like to share more about why I chose the Kintsugi bowl for the cover. And what we can all learn from the beauty of these powerful works of art.
Origins of the Kintsugi Bowl
Kintsugi, or "golden joinery," is a centuries-old Japanese art form that dates back to the late 15th century. The traditional story origin story tells of a Japanese shogun, Ashikaga Yoshimasa, who sent a damaged tea bowl back to China for repairs. When it was returned, Yoshimasa noticed it was repaired with metal staple to connect the cracks. Local craftsmen wanted to find an aesthetic solution.
This led to the development of Kintsugi, a method where gold-dusted lacquer is used to repair broken pottery, turning the object's history of damage and repair into part of its beauty rather than something to disguise. Kintsugi is aligned with the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi which sees beauty in brokenness and imperfection, effectively symbolizing the ability to grow stronger and more beautiful from adversity.
My Initial Draw to the Kintsugi Bowl
The Kintsugi bowl graces the cover of Mastering Resilience. And this isn’t by accident or a simple, visual queue. The Kintsugi bowl symbolizes the resilience journey the book aims to guide readers through.
It serves as a visual metaphor for the process of recognizing our brokenness, mending ourselves, and emerging stronger than before.
Just as the gold mends the fractures in the pottery, making it even more beautiful, resilience transforms our struggles into strengths, making us more purposeful and powerful.
I was immediately drawn to this symbol.
But was it the right one?
Concerns about Cultural Appropriation
I initially wrestled with the idea of using the Kintsugi bowl, deeply rooted in Japanese culture. Concerns about cultural appropriation began to stir within me. Could my use of this Japanese symbol be interpreted as misuse or misrepresentation?
These thoughts prompted me to reconsider the cover image of my book. While considering various alternatives, my team and I were drawn back to the Kintsugi bowl time and again. We realized that its powerful symbolism was unparalleled; a symbol of renewal and healing from adversity.
The issue wasn't about appropriation, but rather about acknowledging and appreciating a beautiful tradition that so aptly reflects the journey of resilience. Hence, the Kintsugi bowl returned to its place on the book cover, but now with a renewed understanding of its cultural significance and a firm commitment to respect and honor its origins.
The Kintsugi Bowl as a Metaphor for Resilience
The kintsugi bowl, in all its radiant glory, encapsulates the journey of resilience. When we face adversity and feel shattered, much like the broken pottery, it's easy to believe we are beyond repair. But as the art of kintsugi teaches us, the process of mending can lead to a new form of beauty. The gold that seals the cracks doesn't hide the damage. Instead, it highlights it, honoring the journey and the strength it took to rebuild.
We fully embraced this symbol of resilience, recognizing that the path to mastering resilience is much like the art of Kintsugi. It's about acknowledging our brokenness, choosing to rebuild ourselves, and becoming more robust and more beautiful in the aftermath of adversity.
The Kintsugi Bowl is More Than a Symbol
The Kintsugi bowl serves as a powerful reminder of our resilience. It reminded me throughout the writing process that life is a journey marked by questioning, exploring, understanding, and ultimately embracing our strength.
Like the art of Kintsugi, we can transform our broken pieces into a masterpiece of resilience. It's a process of mending, of growing, and of becoming more than we were before. It's about stepping into our purpose, bolstered by our experiences and our resilience.
The Kintsugi bowl is more than a symbol—it's a celebration of resilience, a testament to our ability to heal and grow, and a reminder that we, like the bowl, can become more beautiful and stronger for our scars. As my book cover suggests, mastering resilience allows us to transform into our purpose, to become golden.
Want to learn more about resilience?
In Mastering Resilience: Transforming Into Your Purpose, I share the keys to unlocking your internal strength and pursuing the life of your dreams. Like the Kintsugi bowl, you can reshape your past experiences and emerge strong and beautiful. I’d love to show you how.