Sacred Scars
I have a scar on my neck as a result of operations to remove my thyroid gland and although it took some time to get used to, I now (and have done for many years) love it and wouldn’t change it for the world. It proves that I have been through something life changing and I am here to tell the tale.
“‘Ring the bells that still can ring. Forget your perfect offering. There is a crack in everything. That's how the light gets in.’”
- Leonard Cohen, Anthem
The Japanese art of ‘kintsugi’ teaches that broken objects are not something to hide but to display with pride. By repairing broken ceramics it’s possible to give a new lease of life to pottery that becomes even more beautiful thanks to its “scars”. When a teapot or vase breaks, this Japanese practice highlights the breaks by adding further value to the object.
Kintsugi, literally means golden (“kin”) and repair (“tsugi”). Liquid gold, liquid silver or lacquer with powdered gold is used to bring the broken pieces together and at the same time enhancing their beauty. So if you have a scar that you’re struggling with, perhaps adopting some Kintsugi philosophy will help you to see it in a different light.
