Instead of focusing on the marketplace for a Christmas gift, consider gifting others with something more important; a repaired relationship.
Person: Oh no, I can’t believe I broke this beautiful ceramic bowl! It was a family heirloom.
Kintsugi Craftsman: (calmly) Accidents happen. Let me take a look. Ah, I see. It’s a shame, but we can turn this mishap into something beautiful.
Person: Really? How?
Kintsugi Craftsman: Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with lacquer mixed with powdered gold, silver, or platinum. It’s about embracing the imperfections and turning them into a part of the object’s history.
Person: But it’ll never be the same.
Kintsugi Craftsman: No, it won’t be the same, but it will be different and unique. The cracks and the gold will tell a story of resilience and transformation. Let me work my magic.
Person: I’m a bit nervous, but go ahead.
(The Kintsugi craftsman carefully starts repairing the broken ceramic using the traditional techniques of Kintsugi. The person watches in amazement as the cracks are filled with beautiful gold lines.)
Person: It’s incredible! It looks even more special than before.
Kintsugi Craftsman: Each break and repair adds character. It’s a way of honoring the history of the object. Now, instead of hiding the damage, we highlight it.
Person: Thank you. I never thought something broken could become even more valuable.
Kintsugi Craftsman: Sometimes, the most beautiful things come from moments of adversity. A philosophy that extends beyond pottery.
Another way of thinking about this is theologized in the Catholic faith tradition; the Sacrament of Reconciliation has four parts: Contrition, Confession, Satisfaction, and Absolution. Satisfaction is the least understood and practiced.
Considering the violence we do to ourselves and others, … Perhaps, the repair of our souls needs more than three Hail Marys and three Our Fathers.
There is no substitute for expressing regret for committing harm directly to the person(s) on the receiving end – but only if it is safe to do so. If not, the next best alternative is a trusted friend, counselor, or pastor of your religious faith.
The Harmed and the Harmer
Step in the shoes of other seeing through their eyes Stand in their shadow Inhale their air, bear their cross. Touch their cracked vessel and yours. Fragments of hidden pain awaits the master’s hand To heal and make whole souls wounded by life’s journey In our hearts lay the power. Acknowledge the pain No façade, and no ego Hidden heart ascends to reconcile true-self with Beloved, one and other
Begin to heal the world by first starting with oneself; Honor Thyself, Heal Thyself.
