Kintsugi Healing
Blending ancient wisdom with modern science
Literally translated ‘golden joinery’, the art of Kintsugi is recognised as a powerful metaphor representing a whole philosophy of life. The history is rich, the process is patient, the art itself is a skill. Kintsugi Healing is inspired by this beautiful Japanese art form.
While we don’t repair any actual pottery, we do apply the core principles of Kintsugi in our approach, helping people to recover effectively from life’s hurts and to rebuild confidence for the future.
What is Kintsugi Healing?
STRONG | WHOLE | UNIQUE
Kintsugi is the beautiful Japanese art that repairs broken pottery with a unique resin and powdered gold, and is often used as a metaphor to help us make sense of life’s toughest challenges.
Kintsugi is characterised by gentleness, patience and kindness. It also embraces connectedness: connectedness with the process of repair, with the environment, with other people involved in the process, and importantly with yourself.
Kintsugi Healing blends the principles of this ancient craft with modern mind-body-brain research to offer sound, effective, lasting strategies that can be used by those who have experienced trauma and are struggling to cope with everyday life as a result.
This unique combination provides a meaningful framework for understanding and overcoming life’s challenges, helping us to acknowledge and honour our personal stories and history.
The 7-stage Kintsugi H.E.A.L.I.N.G method is a thoughtful, skilled, and patient journey towards recovery. And recovery is more than healing; it’s about emerging stronger and more resilient, ready to face the future with renewed strength and wisdom, with an acknowledgement of our ability to heal and grow.
H ope ~ looking ahead with a belief there can be different ways of living well
E xplore – evaluating and reflecting on what brought you to this point
A ct – making active changes to create your new future, in community with others
L earn – learning from others, from yourself, from your experience – choices
I nvest – in your own future, your own purpose, your own value in your new future with confidence and self-compassion
N urture – take time to pamper, tlc needed your mood and energy by adding some finishing touches
G row – be aware of opportunities
the art of kintsugi
Kintsugi, an ancient Japanese craft, embodies the art of restoring broken pottery and cherished tea bowls with a reverence for their history and significance to the owner. This practice, literally meaning ‘golden joinery’, is more than just a technique; it’s a profound philosophy of life.
The essence of Kintsugi lies in its approach: it’s an exercise in gentleness, patience, and kindness, fostering a deep connection with the object, the environment, and oneself. This art engages all the senses and demands time and mindfulness. Selecting materials that honour the value of the damaged ceramics and engaging in mindful practices like tea ceremonies during the repair process, are integral to Kintsugi.
The environment plays a crucial role, just as much as the skilled techniques used. The restoration involves using a special Japanese lacquer mixed with 24-karat gold powder. The result is not just a mended item but a transformed one, often stronger and more unique than its original state, proudly bearing marks that narrate its distinct journey.
[ As an aside, for those who are interested, we can direct you to Kintsugi pottery workshops online! ]