In the eyes of the ancient Japanese art of Kintsugi, a broken bowl is not broken; it is an opportunity for the expression of beauty. Using liquid gold, broken pieces are brought together and the bowl becomes both old and new and a symbol of so much more
As a symbol of opportunity it reminds us that “all things work together for good.” T-4.V.1:1. As a symbol of acceptance, it reminds us that we are “free to believe what we choose” about brokenness [T-1.II, 1:9] and the freedom to stop our suffering over what is, or, was, or isn’t or wasn’t, lies in our response. As a symbol of our response, it reminds us that although we believe the bowl is broken, our response can create beauty. And as a symbol of beauty in imperfection, it reminds us that it is only our ego-centered thinking that can cloud our sight of perfection.
Yet the bowl stands as a symbol of something else. Of you. And me. And all of us.
We are the bowls and our mistakes are not brokenness; our choice to be free from suffering is our gold; and our ability to create beauty with our response is simply our decision.
The Course tells us: “Every response you make is determined by what you think you are, and what you want to be is what you think you are.” T-7.VII, 2:7. And it reminds us: “You are a perfect creation.” T-1.II, 3:3. “The freedom to leave behind everything that hurts you and humbles you and frightens you cannot be thrust upon you, but can be offered you through the grace of God.” T-11.VI, 6:3. “Freedom from illusions lies only in not believing them.” T-8.VII, 16:5.
Let us, then, be artists and our lives, the bowls.