What is Kintsugi?

Kintsugi is an ancient craft, still practiced in some parts of Japan, where precious tea bowls and broken pottery are restored in a time-honoured way that respects the origins of the pieces and their meaning for the owner.

Literally translated ‘golden joinery’, the art of Kintsugi is increasingly 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 is all about gentleness, patience and kindness. It is also about connectedness: connectedness with the piece being repaired, with the environment, with other people involved in the process, and importantly with yourself.

Kintsugi uses all our senses and cannot be rushed. Materials and replacement pieces are carefully selected to match the inherent value of the broken ceramics. The environment is as vital to the repair as the techniques are. Time is taken to indulge mindfully in tea ceremonies and shared meals while the mended pieces are baking. Restoration is completed using distinctive Japanese lacquer and 24-karat gold powder. The finished piece is often stronger than the original and has a distinctive appearance reflecting its unique history.

mosaic of kintsugi broken peices, a finished pot with kintsugi gold repair lines and an older Japanese man pouring tea

What is Kintsugi Healing?

Kintsugi Healing blends the principles of this beautiful craft, with modern research findings about how our bodies and minds respond to, and recover from, stress and trauma. Together, these complementary perspectives can help us make sense of difficult and challenging experiences, allowing us to move through them effectively and find new ways to begin enjoying life again. The 6-step Kintsugi REPAIR approach is a patient, skillful and kind way to help people heal from life’s hurts and build new strength for the future.

For individuals, Kintsugi Healing helps you find ways to create a confident and meaningful future that you can enjoy. Whether you are living in a difficult or challenging situation right now, with little hope for the future, or you are beginning to notice cracks show up in everyday life and are worried your world might be about to ‘fall apart’, the thoughtful, patient Kintsugi REPAIR approach is for you. Our 1-1 support is tailored to your own specific needs and circumstances. Our group based workshops and programmes are delivered in a safe, supportive and confidential way to ensure everyone can takeaway something of value for themselves, while also connecting with others who can support your journey of change and healing.

Find out more about our 1-1 support here and group based Kintsugi Healing programmes here

For teams and organisations, Kintsugi Healing adapts the systematic 6-step Kintsugi REPAIR approach to help managers and leaders support staff, members and volunteers deal effectively with the emotional demands of their roles, both individually and collectively. Where your organisation works with vulnerable people, Kintsugi Healing is a powerful and effective way of working with your team to provide bespoke training about how to support others effectively while looking after their own mental health and wellbeing. Supplementary, professional support can also be offered on behalf of your organisation to customers or clients.

 

Find out more about our bespoke training & education services here, and mental health consultancy services here

What is the 6-step Kintsugi REPAIR approach?

The 6-step Kintsugi REPAIR approach reflects the thoughtful, skillful and patient process still used in the traditional Japanese Kintsugi repair of precious ceramics and pottery – REFLECT, ENVISAGE, PREPARE, ACT, INVEST, REFRESH

REFLECT and take stock of how you got to where you are now

ENVISAGE a new and different way of living that fully respects your past

PREPARE to make necessary changes with the right support

ACT on what you know and the choices you now have

INVEST in your new future with confidence and compassion

REFRESH your mood and energy by adding some finishing touches

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