The Art of Kintsugi

Two years ago I felt broken.  My body was healthy and whole and yet my heart was shattered.   After the loss of my daughter, I could not see my way through the deepest grief I had ever experienced.  Though I will always miss her, I now feel more whole than I ever thought possible. 

In Japan there is a form of art known as "Kintsugi".  This translates to repairing something that is broken.  As it was explained to me by my healing friend, Emily, traditionally pieces of broken pottery are filled with lacquer and gold to put the broken parts back together.  Also, as it was explained to me, this term can be used as I began to imagine filling the spaces of my broken heart. 

When I took some time to reflect on this, I was able to imagine my shattered chest area filled with some of the beauty I enjoy.  Sometimes I visualized beautiful colored gem stones, sometimes I filled the space with my favorite shades of purple paint or planting the area with glorious blooming flowers.  The fact is that by filling in the broken areas it makes the piece stronger.  This takes time and patience (the latter of which I do not claim to be good at). 

I believe this process is still ongoing.  I do feel hopeful for the future as I look around to see all of the "life" that has been helping me to fill in the gaps of my brokenness.