# Finding Joy in the Imperfect By:: [[Brian Heath]] 2024-04-22 When listening closely to a person playing an instrument, one will often hear things not part of the song. Examples include the movement of the fingers over the strings of a guitar, the deep breath of a trumpet player, the turning of a page, and the occasional cough. Whether these non-song elements are part of the musical performance, some likely believe these should be removed entirely in a perfect performance. But in many ways, there is something perfectly imperfect about them in the performance. It's a subtle reminder of the role of our humanity and imperfect existence in the performance. In Japanese philosophy, this is called Wabi-sabi, or the art of finding beauty in imperfection. Where else might one find Wabi-sabi? Does it exist in one's work and organizations? In all likelihood, it lives there, too, if one knows where to look. The struggle is that the performance must still attempt to be beautiful and perfect but miss the mark. It cannot be something quickly thrown together without any thought. The intention and practice matters. Intentionality and the practice of work are increasingly rare within most organizations. How much better might the world be if organizations considered workers as artists and promoted practicing to unlock the Wabi-sabi and find perfection in the imperfect? #### Related Items [[Wabi-sabi]] [[Music]] [[Performance]] [[Work]] [[Art]] [[Creative]] [[Beauty]]