THE WABI WAY
Derived from the Japanese expression “washibi”, Wabi is a term that originally meant the misery of living alone in nature, a bucolic existence, one that was 'lacking'. Over time, the meaning evolved to be more positive — a stripping back if you will, the self-imposed solitude and material insufficiency came to be considered opportunities for spiritual richness.
For the poet at heart, this kind of living fostered an appreciation for the minor details of everyday life, revealing insights into the beauty of the inconspicuous and overlooked aspects of nature. In turn, the 'ugliness' of simplicity took on new meaning as the basis for a new pure beauty, with a style that reflected qualities like temperance, imperfection and irregularity.
WABI is a nod to this ancient philosophical construct and aesthetic system, that had profound influence on the ritualised practice of tea and ultimately became synonymous with Japanese culture. Drawing from the wisdom of ancient Wabi truths, the intention is to reveal a deeper understanding of oneself and a way of being in the world, with tea and practice our guides.