How a broken, screwed-up life can be beautiful (Kintsugi)

[@CamoGuy76239]

Some people look at embarrassing memories as "cringe memories" to be despised, but lately, I've been looking at my "cringe memories" and thinking to myself "wow, look how far I've come since then"; I've been embracing my embarrassing memories as a point of measuring of how much I've grown and learned, and since they're so hard to forget, it's so easy to see how much progress I've made and so easy to remember what mistakes to not repeat.

[@nomobobby]

Its hard to change the perecpetion once its set in, but I'm trying to revaluate alot of my 'faux pas' in the same way. For the simple fact that when you hide it as "cringe" it haunts you, and in trying to dismiss it again, you lose all confidence in speaking with others. Ethier that or you're desire to talk is so jammed up from fear it bursts out like a waterfall that tends to cause embarrassing oversharing. It's hard cycle to break, even when you know alot of times people will dismiss or forget alot of them. Even stuff from years and years ago can came back suddenly, and it leaves you worried, cause your own anxiety leaves you in fear of the next mistake.

[@rigelb9025]

This. Although the path from conceptually 'getting it' to enacting the actual healing of the cringe-induced distress, can be a long and painful one. And as of right now, thanks to this moment, I feel like I just inched a wee-bit closer to it.

[@amina-pr8xt]

Makes sense

[@jessicapatton2688]

Good for u! 👍

[@DianaStitching]

Thank you for this.

[@morticialechatnoir6884]

I often feel like I've wasted my sixty years on this earth, just because my life doesn't look "successful ".I really needed this today. Thank you ❤

[@Largo-y]

Success is in the eye of the beholder. Some people wanted to succeed in being a rotten scumbag and succeeded, who can tell them they're not successful?

[@ArtPhotographerLindsay]

Occasionally I feel that way (at 60 also), but when I look at it objectively, I've had a successful, happy life. I certainly made some mistakes that could have been much more catastrophic and I am grateful that I survived them and learned from them.

[@Largo-y]

@@ArtPhotographerLindsay Mistakes are important as long as we learn from them.

[@dabberdan3200]

It’s not the end of the journey that matters .It’s the journey that matters. Looking back brings depression and looking forward brings anxiety.

[@Dodgerzden]

@@dabberdan3200 Yes. Lately, I've been reminding myself to focus on the process of life and not the result because I've always had the bad habit of looking ahead and behind.

[@mmmahh9056]

Anyone else needed this video at this very moment? 😂

[@geigertec5921]

No 🙂

[@Encaris]

Yep 100%

[@poppypaint]

Me!

[@Sheboss333]

Si! ❤️‍🩹✌️🤗

[@E.a.Z.S.e.n.T]

Always

[@kayleighdriessen]

If only more people understood this instead of parading around in public and on Social Media about how utterly perfect and put together their lives are.

[@Katysgrotto]

Agreed

[@mrcuttime22]

... or conversely complaining about how life SHOULD be "perfect."

[@DerekHowden]

People putting a better show of themselves is a form of Kintsugi is it not?

[@erahamzah6983]

For some reason, your pfp kind of reminds me of something like a show i used to watch when i was a kid, very unexpected actually

[@Johny40Se7en]

That's a "social norm" at the moment, and I noticed very early on that it's all just cherry picking the good bits. Heck, I used to do that myself FFS... And the thing is, everyone has some sort of issue in life, scars and other imperfections which we're told aren't cool to show. But I agree that if more people realised that there's beauty in the not so ideal things, it could bring people together on what they genuinely have in common.

[@davidharvey6971]

It wasn't until my mid sixties that I realized how broken I was. I'm in the process of mending the pieces with gold lacquer. Very timely video.

[@lomion79]

My body is covered in scars. There are times they shame me but then I try to remember this exact philosophy - they are my life story, for good or ill. I try to apply this same outlook into all aspects of life. Not easy but, ultimately, a more positive way to view the world.

[@rigelb9025]

It's nice to see there's still some genuinely enriching content out here in this vast, open wasteland of online buzz, isn't it.

[@nyuuuchan]

mine too! as a woman, I sometimes get questions about them. some women pity them - it's ok, I like to embrace my broken look :)

[@derekk.1750]

​that's so interesting, I haven't met many girls with lots of scars, I have scars and I feel insecure. I respect you

[@afreen5058]

My sister has so many scars, from stretch marks, abuse, a forced gender-transformation (that she has thankfully reversed back to her biological gender), weight gain, and other things. I love her scars, they make her look like a tiger with stripes. The spiral shaped around her belly and breasts are really cool. I also have depressions and stretch marks around my breasts, and 2nd degree burn marks on my feet. The burns look like little craters on the moon, and the stretch marks and depressions near my legs and breasts look like water channels that have dried up. It really looks like a landscape, it’s very cool! Nowadays, I don’t really think too much about my scars. I don’t find them beautiful nor ugly, just kinda there. But there was a time when I really had to embrace them.

[@rigelb9025]

@@afreen5058 Our scars remind us, that the past is real.

[@whatever3043]

As someone healing from severe CPTSD (Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), one of my biggest grievances is realizing how much I lost and missed in the past decades due to my condition. The art of Kintsugi is a fantastic metaphor for reframing my personal history without hiding my flaws and scars. Even better, it represents the beauty that can emerge from pain and sorrow. Ironically, I was a scholar of contemporary Japanese art and had seen and appreciated Kintsugi artworks, but it never occurred to me to relate it to my own life until now.

[@rossbrockway2996]

Beautifully said! I too have appreciated this philosophy but until just now was never able to apply it to myself and my life. Thank you for sharing and I’m glad you are feeling better!

[@antinatalist9995]

More reason to embrace what life you have left.

[@kavitamins]

'The wound is the place where the light enters you' - Rumi I recall an encounter with a friend from the past who concealed a deep scar from me, describing it as unsightly. I shared with them the concept of kintsugi, explaining that the mark on their arm was not a blemish but rather a golden seam of beauty and strength. They never hid the scar again.

[@cjjackson6514]

Your light can only shine through the cracks of your soul.

[@johnwright9070]

How many friends are you talking about?

[@graceandmarvellouswonders6249]

Good friends come in many forms, thank you for being an example of excellence to your friend and others ✌🏾🥲

[@ugraltnbilek]

My front tooth was broken, and there were no lights, just lots of blood.. now I have an implant, and it looks normal until I shine a UV light on my teeth. Implant looks dark. This means I have no soul or I have a dark one until someone proves the existence of soul 😂

[@tweed0929]

To be frank, you are absolutely horrible human being.

[@mardel420]

5 years ago, i broke my leg skateboarding, and still have a titanium rod and screws holding it together. for a long time i looked back on the experience with regret. however, after time, i realized the injury occurred because i was not being mindful of what i was doing at the time. my many months of immobilization, reflection and recovery eventually led me into practicing zen buddhism, tai chi, and meditation on a daily basis, to help prevent another mindless mistake. the experience taught me to slow down and not take any blessings, even as simple as walking, for granted. i now am utterly thankful for this experience and its lessons, for without it, i would not be here now, watching this video, understanding that this titanium rod is my golden lacquer.

[@afreen5058]

Wow 💕 thank you for sharing. Such a nice story.

[@mardel420]

thank you for reading it :)@@afreen5058

[@fabianesoares7231]

So beautiful

[@chriswilliams8159]

I think we as humans living in a society obsessed with control and perfection often tend to forget that perfection doesn't exist in this universe, and if it did, none of us would be here.

[@JaysonT1]

Why would none of us be here?

[@chriswilliams8159]

@@JaysonT1Imperfection in forces is what causes the resultant force to act upon things in a certain direction, and that is true for gravitational pull as well, pulling huge amounts of gas clouds together in the early universe giving rise to stars, And without the fusion of higher heavier elements at their core, life as we know just wouldn't be possible.

[@Ikaros23]

@@JaysonT1 Because you ( we) are imperfect. That is the real you. Not your " self image". Or my self image. Are imperfect. The universe and all in it is in a constant flux and change. Birth, growt, decay, death. Kintsugi (derived from Zen buddhism and the philosophy of Wabi-Sabi )is about seeing the estetics in things that are broken, deffect, dying, decaying instead of just beeing obsessed of the illusion of things that are symetrically perfect. Wabi-Sabi is the estetics of " imperfecsjonism". The estetic that we are born in pain, and that life is at it`s core alot of the time full of pain and " discomfort". If it was all perfect, then we would not be alive.

[@levibull6063]

I mean isnt the thing of wabisabi is their is perfection in imperfection

[@jomspagayunan1658]

Sometimes it's better to be broken to learn and feel how to appreciate what you have

[@E.a.Z.S.e.n.T]

And if you think your life's bad theres kids and folks trying to fight to survive everyday to even eat or drink. Some people have nothing can't even eat.

[@frisconinja3108]

do you ?

[@Vivere17]

I learn this lesson today

[@jomspagayunan1658]

@@Vivere17 how are you

[@jomspagayunan1658]

@@Vivere17 how are you

[@tanvirzuhayrkhan1729]

Dude this guys videos have really affected my thought process significantly

[@Παθεια_Γνωστικα]

It's almost like an antidote to perfectionism.

[@stefekburczymucha4756]

I still have scars after self-harming when I was younger, and I'm never ashamed of them. They're part of my story and mark my strenght to deal with depression.

[@victorashul]

About the scars that life left on me - it made me see other people for what they are, with good or with bad traits, and it made me more and more immune to external validation, thus creating a better life

[@noxanneballadynasowacka6125]

I’m 28. I used to be afraid of getting older and death. Every birthday after the 18th was a reminder that I’d never be 19, 20, 21… ever again. I used to romanticise my young adult life when I was little. But over the years, it occurred to me that each seemingly wasted year was-in retrospect-invaluable to my spiritual growth. I never would’ve come to terms with who I am, nor developed the self determination that I have now, had it not been for the years I spent unhealthy, undisciplined and depressed. I love that my life keeps on going, and I can’t wait for the new challenges that’ll transform me in the years to come. How would I ever have grown, had I stayed 19, 20 or 21 forever?

[@SuperMario2401]

I like this take 👍

[@afreen5058]

21 is overrated asf. The best life is the life you live everyday regardless of when it occurred, whether it was in 2012 or 2023.

[@randy9680]

This seems to mesh well with stoic philosophy. Acknowledging the bad and broken, accepting them, and continuing on. You can’t control that the vase is now broken despite it being your favorite, but you can control what you do with the shards. Then choosing to accept the brokenness and actually embrace it by repairing it in a way that highlights it’s brokenness but it is nonetheless still just as functional.

[@epicmetalwarrior5476]

I don´t know how but i always think that a person who suffered a lot is someone with a very distinct beauty. I know people who survived cancer and they really shine on the middle of other people. It´s like seeing a REAL WARRIOR.

[@Gudsur]

Love is golden lacquer as well. When you accept someone with all of their flaws, and decide to love them (sometimes with their flaws being their defining features that keeps you intrigued), you made them more beautiful. And treating them as a work of art is always necessary ❤

[@tkni8458]

One of your most important videos, delivered beautifully. As Sri Yukteswar said “Forget the past. lives of all men are dark with many shames. Human conduct is ever unreliable until anchored in the Divine.” Kintsugi takes this concept of duality even further. “Yes, I am broken.. but my scars now shine with a golden light.” We must accept that we are imperfect, as long as we resist the imperfections we create suffering. I resist my imperfections every day and I suffer for it. From now on I will accept them and lace them in gold, use my experience as a broken tool to shine the light on other’s paths. Always strive to be better, always accept your imperfections. Use your scars as a guiding light, laced with gold.

[@randybackgammon890]

Embrace imperfection eh?Well I for one won't be throwing away my false teeth or glasses anytime soon

[@kusheran]

... men are dark... I'm tired of the structural racism in the "dark metaphor"... Does dark mean bad in your language? That is racist! Tired of the dark metaphor! Dark does not equal bad. Stop the racist language!

[@tkni8458]

@@kusheran it’s dark as in a lack of light in the context of conciousness and life itself, nothing racist about it.

[@sLim88CPC]

@@kusheran you see what you want to see. Not everything spins around race in life, you make it like it does. We are all human. Put emotions aside and think.

[@12311395]

Suffering and pain have taught me great lessons and helped me gain wisdom! It’s essential just liked trees need wind to grow stronger.

[@joannemonast8670]

Thank you for this beautiful video! I am a disabled white female born in Los Angeles. The artfulness of psychological psychopathic narcissistic manipulating abuses on many levels never-ending! In the circus of facades, perceptions can be many! Learning how to appreciate the darkness and enthusiasm of the light-hearted(some who have never been exposed to great depth of narcissistic abuses). Life is a journey of spiritual development knowingly or not everyone is part!

[@4d3c2b1a]

What do you think the meaning of life is, if you don't mind me asking? I have come to the conclusion that it is money unfortunately. But I think that is because of my environment. Ironically enough, when I was younger, I thought the meaning was to have fun!

[@joannemonast8670]

@kid4nap2per0 I believe as time goes by, the aspects of history and prejudices lead us to the meaning of life. The appreciation of many aspects that bring us to desire for truthfulness. The awesomeness of learning lessons in the hope of education ends selective provisions of the history of the circus of facades!

[@4d3c2b1a]

@@joannemonast8670 So you believe life is about experience basically? I used to. But that is what lead me to money. Shit I have money. But it is hard to live for free with internet. how are you disabled? do you wanna talk off you tube? share a junk email.

[@kusheran]

... darkness... ? I'm tired of the structural racism in the "dark metaphor"... Does dark mean bad in your language? Tired of the dark metaphor! Dark does not equal bad. Stop the racist language!

[@C-Farsene_5]

@@kusheran ….you’re joking

[@janelovesherlife8261]

Nietzsche wrote:” how much must this people suffer in order to be so beautiful”

[@JMB-e8f]

It reminds me of Rumi's teaching : it is when going through difficult and painful times, strugling to get ahead, that our soul improves the most, and that those times are a blessing in disguise. He said that it is through cracks that the light gets in.

[@LauraHenneforth]

I love the concept of Kintsugi! Whenever I travel I seek out the old hobbles of ghost towns and buildings that have withstood the test of time. Their beauty inspires my creativity, which is expressed in collage. Kintsugi definitely plays a role in collage making, broken misshapen pieces that somehow fuse and bloom into something never imagined but beautiful in its own right.

[@rameyzamora1018]

Your channel & content are a gift. Much appreciation, Walker. Kinsugi was when I repaired the moth holes in a wool coat by embroidering flowers over the holes & a passing photographer on a NYC street asked to take my picture wearing the mended garment.

[@cjjackson6514]

Indeed stepping out of a hard 3 year battle against unemployment, ageism, almost homeless. Trying to rebuild a life at 60 years old is no where near where I thought I would be. Looking back at other scars, challenges, that have been overcome, and a strong faith that God has me here for more at this moment. Understanding Jesus pain and suffering and the beauty in what his brokenness did for all & offers anyone to use their free will to come to the banquet, to come and see, come and taste. Gives me the golden lacquer to paint my broken pieces into a new mosaic of fortitude and resilience. 🙏💕❤️💕🌿🕊️☮️

[@williamwerhonig2005]

As a recovering addict, this really spoke to me. It's a philosophical idea that i live my life by and i had no clue it even existed 😂

[@onlypearls4651]

Good one! My lovely wife and I have been together a lifetime, and our cracks are definitely showing. She's more lovely now than ever, and I wouldn't erase one single line or blemish from her. It's as you said... somehow, the imperfections are strikingly beautiful. Thank you for this :)

[@kadran3263]

I lived in Japan for 20 years and never came across this philosophy. I learned something new there almost every day, even after 20 years. Thank-you for this lovely video: a great companion for things in need of mending.

[@lisadiane55]

I'll be 68 in a few days. I really needed to hear this. I felt that he peered into my life when he said "I cover my arms", "I stay at home". Ouch. It's an ongoing practice for me to see the beauty rather than the scars.

[@SB-rw7oq]

I visited Tilburg a few years ago & recognise the places you shared in this video. My friend & I spent lots of time in these places & took some memorable photos. We were so impressed by the way buildings wagons & stations had been remodelled for use. Dutch practical approach is truly remarkable.❤

[@grouchy88]

me and my family accompanied the dying process of my father closely in the beginning of this year. it sure is a big loss but at the same time it was a gift to experience that were not as isolated as it might seem at times. so many neighbors and friends who showed affection and support, experiencing how strong and important family bonds are

[@joannaedwards6325]

Einzelganger..... Your writing here is nothing short of a masterpiece; beautifully poetic and profound. My admirarion of you and your work deepens with each new presenration. ❤ peace&joy to you always Johanna Plantinga

[@Einzelgänger]

Thank you, Joanna 🤗. That's a huge compliment.

[@joannaedwards6325]

@@Einzelgänger Only speaking the truth.

[@Suiseisexy]

This is absolutely the comment you deserve the least, your writing is derivative of both Sartre and Shaw and while capable, is commonplace and easily taught in the globalist charm school you went to before they paid you to make this psychic damage-control content for billionaires.

[@jlg3315]

this is one of my favorite Einzelganger videos. beautifully done. thank you.

[@JackEChristianSon]

I’m sorry I don’t watch every video when you post it. Sometimes I worry about falling back into the mindset your videos helped me out of. Like an experience I know will help me - but will have me confront my problems head on. Thank you for getting me through it all and to let you know I’m watching this the day you posted it because Im never going to stop growing. Thank you 🙏🏽

[@mukesh.dhimar]

I'm exactly the same

[@explorer.samrat]

When you have this channel in your life, you will never need any self-help books. 😊😊

[@NovelPair]

Except for Einzelganger's books, which are also amazing.

[@craylawrence1895]

Truer words have never been said👍

[@resilientbyahn]

Sometimes scars are necessary to help navigate us through why we’re here and who we’re meant to become. Without my own scars, I doubt that I’d be as fearless in the face of adversities.

[@virginia9071]

“There is a crack a crack in everything. That's how the light gets in ...” Leonard Cohen

[@jimbobstaa]

A very well put video essay about this subject, it's touching to hear of others using dark times to help see the lighter times. I moved across the country to escape myself and spare my family after a breakdown. Only now am I working to lacquer myself back together. For anybody going through it, keep pushing!

[@davidwho7847]

Once upon a time I was into photography (black & white). Some of the best things to photograph were old rundown buildings and old abandoned farmhouses etc. They had character and while staring at them they would, almost, start to tell you, their story. I loved it! I'm now 69 yrs. old and fast becoming part of that landscape myself. Thank you for this video!

[@luvdaroc]

This is a beautiful explanation of the art and the philosophy of kintsugi. We get broken in life-- physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually--but how we set ourselves to heal is the truth to how we move on. Embracing the cracks and tears, acknowledging them and loving ourselves in spite of the mistakes. Knowing that we are the divine in human form, here to experience this very thing is the good lacquer we use to strengthen ourselves. Kintsugi.

[@Ikaros23]

Kintsugi is a expression of the art and philosophy of " Wabi-Sabi" . And Wabi- Sabi is derived from Japanese Zen Buddhism. The point is to show us that there are no " mistakes" in the universe, everything is in constant change ( impermanence). And that everything even know when you read this text is " as it is". Kintsugi shows us that when there is impermanence ( the porcelain breakes), there is no need to panic. And that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. When we learn to see the estetics in impermanence, life becomes alot more bearable and beautiful . In Zen buddhism, sitting meditation. That is the art of doing " nothing", but sitting and breating. Is the gold-lacker that you can use to make your mind calmer and more focused. Learning to accept the mind and the world " as it is". Beautiful and " imperfect"

[@CarlosDaniel-ul7wo]

I can relate to this philosophy a lot. I got into an accident when i was a kid, it left a big scar in my arm and developed into a skin condition called keloids. Been covering it with long sleeves ever since.. im in my early 20s now.. and i experienced issues with self worth, have always isolated myself from people even my own family. It affected every single aspect of my life.Treatments for this condition are almost ineffective and theres a big chance ill have these scars for the rest of my life. Im still struggling with self confidence and i still dont go out with short sleeves.. in the summers i just dont go out at all if i can.. This video made me felt something about my life situation. I do hope that one day ill be in a state of mind where true confidence lies.. where i can embrace every single flaw in my body and be the person to love myself the most. Philosophy and Stoicism are the forces that pushes me towards finding that gold lacquer.

[@amg9163]

@CarlosDaniel-ul7wo I read your post. I was born with a cleft lip and palate nearly 60 years ago. I had over 25 surgeries, but did not realize, learn or acknowledge that I could have 100 more surgeries but it would never make me look like I was born with this defect. As a woman in NYC, working in the fashion industry, I allowed my reflection and past torments from school kids really decimate my self esteem and sef worth. I say *_"let"_* because for whatever reason, I allowed my imperfections to take up so much of my time, energy and self worth, when, (now I realize) I have done what I possibly could (surgeries, etc. ) *_to make people feel comfortable around me_* ... But, *_what have people done to make ME feel comfortable around THEM?_* I hope you get something from my experience and let whatever you see as *_your problem_* become a problem for *them.* I I highly recommend a powerful Ted talk video by a guy in the UK who talks about *_"Owning his own face."_* I personally wish I could have seen that video 5 decades ago, as I imagine it would have helped me become more of what I had potential to be. Good luck!

[@hjb-1g8]

I can see this art as a perfect way to help mend broken souls that lives with grief and regret. Thanks for this video

[@jzloveinfinite]

I have been watching this channel for a while now, but when I tell you THIS one has saved my life! 🙌🏾🙏🏾🙌🏾🙏🏾

[@christinecnew3268]

Some 30 years I was a clerk in an antique shop. I was able to sell a very expensive porcelain french cup with saucer because the cup had been broken and repaired with a process much like Kintsugi. (yes, the set was not THAT expensive!) I was fascinated by the workmanship of that repair and was able to convey this to the woman who did purchase the set. (i thought it was even more beautiful!) Now I must remember to apply what you said and what i said to myself.Thank you for your insight.

[@patrickmorton1187]

Your talent cannot be understated, I learn a new way of looking at life with every video you produce. Thanks again for another great video. 🎉

[@christineheese5910]

Dear Einzelgänger, your understanding of KINTSUGI is so profound! Thank you for sharing your deep understanding of the underlying philosophy. Especially when applying these thoughts on a broken, ugly life so thankful for these passages of your video!

[@emcb1390]

Man i have a big scar in my face from some dumb things i ve done and kintsugi is the only way to cope with it in a healthy way in my opinion. I can't undo what happened, but i can stand strong, remember the hell i survived and see that i am still here. Kintsugi philosophy takes a lot of pressure out from a perfectionistic attitude

[@joannaedwards6325]

As I was looking in the mirror at the new wound healing on my forehead, my lover came up behind me. He asked why I was crying. I told him I was upset that this was now my fourth facial scar and that I felt like I was falling apart. He turned me around, gently caressed my face and said, "Babydoll, it just makes you look even more interesting to me. You're not falling apart you're falling into my heart."

[@0o0ification]

I worry that my biases hold me back - that holding back from recoil at the sight of my own scars remains illusive. I also take heart in the trend to embrace the patina of old objects, and that the age and wear of something can be favorable to adding layers of concealment. I never understood this Japanese practice; thank you for offering detail.

[@ChipotleKanetsu]

I love how your videos are quality over quantity and very genuine.

[@kamome1116]

Lately,I've gotten to know a little more about who you are, and I felt comfortable with you.I've failed many times in my life but your videos always cheer me up.I'm Japanese, so I'm familiar with Kintsugi. But I had never thought of the idea of Kintsugi you suggest. So I was impressed with this video. Likewise, I was interested in Hikikomori and the implicit mask enforcement.I've always felt uncomfortable living in Japan.But this time, I thought I wanted to find out more the beauty of Japan.Thank you always.

[@samaakhaleel698]

I love the fact that you share a bit more about yourself ⚘️

[@Einzelgänger]

Thank you, I'm happy about that :)

[@TheEternalSamurai]

Very well said. I have many memories from my past that I feel shameful about. But this video gave me a different perspective to help me realize that the things that have broken me can be quite beautiful after all. Piecing together what I can better about myself without actually changing who I am helps give me a sense of peace Ngl. Thank you for this video

[@blancalezama409]

Thank you, I agree with you, my life like anyone else's life is beautiful and at my 73 have learned a few misfortunes that occurred to me without known it. I am still happy and proud because I remain standing... beautiful thoughts

[@PretendPassing]

i love thrift shops. sometimes the gems are already used. so many nice furniture pieces or old decoration from old time periods.

[@ricardoge96]

This is my 2 month anniversary since i broke up with my ex gf, thanks to this video i can actually be grateful for all that happened during my relationship with her, i'm deeply grateful for the good and bad memories, because exactly that means to be human, and what else can i expect, but for things to go according to nature :,), thanks Einzel!

[@lillianbarker4292]

You might even be more grateful for the breakup many years from now. I am 70 and only recently have I realized that a terrible breakup 50 years ago was a wonderful gift. I married a man who has helped me become a new and happier person.

[@rapunzel346]

I’ve watched this channel for years and lived in Tilburg for years. I have a complex relationship to the city as I have my best and worst memories from here, and today was one of those days where everything seemed so gloomy and I blamed the city for everything wrong in my life. I watched this video to make me see this city and my life here as broken but beautiful. So needless to say, as soon as you mentioned Tilburg i started crying as it resonated with me so heavily. Thank you. I needed this.

[@Bodyknowledge77]

This is quite the piece of work. It was quite moving for me in different parts due to my experiences in this existence. My creativity has been an antidote for my cracks/pain. Be it through humor or music. Wisdom or fitness. I've got a scar on my forearm and use a cane. I laugh and cry (though my eyes and mouth) to keep from going insane.

[@nomobobby]

Thank you for this video. Take my sub. For the longest time I've been trying to pursue a perfect life, pursuing everything what I "needed" to do so. But now I realize that I was never doing it for me, just to look "good" in front of peers. And because of that, I never really learned how to work with my neurodivigerent brain. Or even to pursue the things I wanted to do. Now that I'm embracing more self care and no longer trying to outrun my personal problems, I'm starting to feel better and hope to do more going forward. I still have a lot of life ahead of me, I hope to look back and laugh at my younger self someday for not being able to see- Don't wait for thast dream job to be happy- what if it never comes? Instead, try to make yourself happy with the means available to you. If only I could send that lesson back in time... Alas, there's little to done now.

[@humptydumpty-m8u]

Inspiring. I like Kintsugi, a different way to look at life and something that supposed to be ugly. I agreed with what the video said. I can think of something that I’ve done wrong in the past (scars) but as becoming older, and realized the wrong things and regarded it as a lesson learnt. That is, though I got scars, I have learnt from it as self improvement. Thank you for uploading 🙏🏻

[@Johny40Se7en]

Finding beauty in brokenness is a tricky thing to do. You have to take a step back, and that's something which isn't seen as cool so it's likely rare nowadays. But people in general are not at fault, it's the media that glamorises "perfection" and idyllic possessions and lifestyles, and shuns imperfection. "Perfection is the harshest term..." Another incredibly beautiful philosophy indeed. There's also a lot of beauty in darkness, but it can be hard to see.

[@philtorrez4198]

Thank you for the upload! I needed a subtle reminder about what’s important in life, perspective. Good timing, internet!

[@madameremade]

I'm a broken person and on the up side, it's helped me be more understanding of others.

[@ginalibrizzi5204]

Exactly ❤

[@paulm7826]

Of all your excellent vidoes, this has to be your most outstanding so far. It is full of reflection, wisdom, compassion and deep encouragement. I needed to see this video. Thank you, Einzelganger, from Australia.

[@gasmith7486]

EVERYTHING (seemingly) adverse that’s happened in my life is now being used to help others who are going through the same. I reach out to people and vice versa to help encourage them in their journey that no matter what happens, they can overcome it and have a great life! I’d call that Kintsugi! !

[@enjay9521]

This is one of my favorite videos, ever! Thank you for making it. I teach a unit about art in my writing courses. I use this video to introduce to my adult students the concept that art connects us to new world views. They find the video refreshing, as all of us have been through brokenness.. I even shared this video with my parish priest, who has showed it in our religion course for new church members. We needn't hide or run away from our brokenness. We embrace it, on our path to a new, better, transformed life. Beautiful! ❤

[@sylorenzo]

Dermot Kennedy says in one of his songs " there is beauty in being broken". It touched me and I didn't know why. Yor video gave words to that what resonaded in me. My life changed. I can't physically do things I loved. Nevertheless I can enjoy my life much more by not hiding my "scars" from others. Thanks for your videos I enjoy so much.

[@E.U.11]

I love all of your videos, but this one in particular brought tears to my eyes...Thank you so so much for your uplifting & encouraging videos, sweet soul!! 🤗❤ Always stay blessed!! 🙏😇

[@simplesimon755]

I have watched your videos for years. This is definitely one of your best. Thank you for sharing it.

[@jenna2431]

Love the story of Tilburg. Amazing video. Just now coming to terms with C-PTSD and how it really impacted my life for these 65 years - really love the Kintsugi concept.

[@Afraaz]

One must first be broken to allow light to reach inside

[@angienava1222]

¡Gracias!

[@Einzelgänger]

Thank you!

[@cichoriumintybus4637]

I think, I can kinda relate. Without going into to much detail and making it blunt, after my (soon to be divorced wife) girlfriend and me left for another town past university life, I faced a serious job crisis and in the end, failed to become, what I tried to be my whole younger adult life (a teacher). We faced difficulty job situations for me afterwards and also Corona. Although we got married, my wife decided to leave me for someone else and now its only me, living in a place, I do not have any actual job or private chances left. Now I am facing a struggle for roughly a year and some more time to come. To save up money, getting another moving done back into a place, I may consider "home" and perhaps finding (another) purpose in life. Newfound stoicism and this video kinda, at least for me, reflect all that. I think, as much damage as I had to take in, which some might not heal at all, I try to relocate my inner attitude, feeling slowly getting something done and finding peace, actually growing out of a process of feeling left apart, broken and thrown away by life and (bad) decissions. Its painful, yet sometimes also reliving, like certain wounds never truly begone, yet actually rather then despising them, I slowly try to appreciate and maybe, down the line, embrace them into a very important part of me. Thank you for providing these thoughts.

[@mynameisnobody3931]

I loved the story of your hometown Tilburg! The Dutch are so good at building!

[@angelaem205]

Thank you for this very deep in meaning video. I mainly watched it because I like your videos and I like Kintsugi. I thought it would be interesting and I was right! We have a saying in Greek which reminds me of kintsugi in a sense. It goes like "Even if silver blackens [by the patent of time], if you rub it will shine", meaning even if we are broken or weathered down our good qualities will prevail and we will not lose our way in the end. Thank you for sharing the history of your home town Tilburg, so fascinating! I love how the Dutch have this great talent in repurposing old and unused spaces turning them into community centers and happy places. Such stories those empty buildings have to tell to the new communities visiting them!🙏🏻🧡🌹🔮

[@AS-rk5vb]

Ultimately Kintsugi is just a concept, which is fine to help us understand that when something/someone is altered/broken/injured that the resulting appearance can be seen as beauty rather than ugliness. That’s a conscious choice. The person/object is neither beautiful nor ugly…they just are what they are. Acceptance of ‘what is’ goes far beyond concept and into ‘being’ whole with the entirety of natural existence and even further into the supreme state. For, what is real is nameless, shapeless, pure energy of life, the light of consciousness.

[@Abstract_Assembly]

Really enjoyed watching every second of this video. A lot of resonated with me. Such a timely and warm reminder. Great work!

[@RizztrainingOrder]

I’ve always found the art of Kintsugi rejuvenating and an apt metaphor that helped me during the hard times in my life. Thanks for making this wonderful process of creativity known to your audience.

[@scarlet12234]

This mirrors a conversation i was having with my husband last night. I was telling him that I don't like the platitude, "Everything happens for a reason." But I do look at every bad thing that happens in my life as an opportunity to become stronger.

[@DuncanL7979]

It is true that not everything happens for a reason necessarily, but we can use each of our experiences as an opportunity to learn, which can lead us to make even more informed decisions in the future.

[@Aivottaja]

I hate that expression not because of my own life experiences, but because of being cognizant how some people suffer so incredibly much from the beginning while others don't. Their suffering serves no reason for my life nor anyone else's.

[@TanyaLeonova]

This makes me feel reassured about all kinds of things I’ve done/lived through and my broken past! 😢❤❤❤❤

[@wordup897]

This was excellent, thank you very much for creating. I really liked the bit about the reuse of Tilburg as I'm an engineer and builder who's into conservation. I also love Japanese philosophy and art, and the way they intertwine. I posted a piece on my website which yt won't let me link, but it's a bowl with Kintsugi repair and a quote by Ernest Hemingway from A Farwell to Arms: _The world breaks everyone and afterward many are strong at the broken places._ it continues: "But those that will not break it kills. It kills the very good and the very gentle and the very brave impartially. If you are none of these you can be sure it will kill you too but there will be no special hurry."

[@hydrogeddonn]

My heart has been in broken pieces for months now. I was broken up with and deeply struggling with moving on and letting my love go. I can still love him, still be heartbroken over what happened, but I can also heal and become stronger and more loving despite those broken pieces. That heartbreak changed me, taught me, helped me see what love really is. And though those shards hurt so much I don't have to let them sit on the ground. It's been months and I've been trying to stop loving and to let go and move on, but it's hard and my heart wants what it wants. Waiting to stop loving hurts so much and I'm foolishly aiming for either being with him, or forgetting about him entirely. I realize now it doesn't have to be black and white, all or nothing. I don't have to stop loving him, I can take those shards off the ground and grow from the heartbreak, I can still love him in my heart even if I don't have him. I don't have to sit paralyzed and in sorrow over what was or what I wish could be.

[@Daneuwill]

These videos always help, your voice really sells the point, thanks for all these concepts over the years

[@damianmcdonagh7908]

I used to live and work in New York City. I'll never forget 9/11. I was working in Manhattan that fateful morning. The view from the top of the old World Trade Centre was amazing. I'm now living back in Ireland 🇮🇪

[@annec7391]

I adore your content, Einzelganger. Please never stop ♥

[@jesusbaetana8993]

Tilburg seems a very similar story to Birmingham in the UK. Although it still struggles heavily with crime, it is (slowly) transforming it's industrial past into a very cool & interesting place, with people from all over the world

[@improvingmyself7410]

its 12 am and having a sleepless night haunted by my past memories as i am unable to take them of my mind and so i opened my laptop and went to my youtube page and accidentally clicked this video and it comforted me very well. thanks for this masterpiece.

[@TinyHouseOfHorrors]

This video couldnt have come at a better time. I struggled for 2 yrs overcoming an ED and finally achieving weight gain to only be in a car accident in July that broke my hip. Now my midsection is lopsided and the are unsure if I'll ever look "normal" again. Ive been so discouraged lately but this video truly helped. As now I'm planning some sort of tattoo to highlight my damage.

[@ringsystemmusic]

That’s badass

[@TinyHouseOfHorrors]

@ringsystemmusic Thank You!

[@Jeremus717]

I have enjoyed so much of the content on this channel over the past couple of years. Many of the subjects were interesting and informative in all kinds of ways. But this one, this one is my personal favorite. Thank you.

[@oddballsampler]

It just so happens that I live in Japan and have been considering having a go at learning to use kintsugi materials for repair. It is also the theme of many backdrops in my life. Very nice video.

[@user-lh4hv3tx8b]

This was very beautifully put. I've noticed myself aging and slowly greying my hairs. I remind myself that tomorrow is not a guarantee and can see that I'm weathered both physically and emotionally. However that doesn't mean that there isn't more life to live and things to pursue.

[@carolegable4017]

This video is so inspiring. Should have way more views.

[@ataulupinar]

I was thinking about Tyler Durden's philosopy and Marcus Aurelius was in my mind for 3 months,it is a plesant feeling to watch this video containing both of them. It's only after we've lost everything that we're free to do anything. Maybe self-improvement isn't the answer, maybe self-destruction is the answer. -Tyler Durden

[@perrykroegerness]

Im part Dutch, a van Stryker, so i connect on that level.. but gotta say your narration and text are excellent! Beyond that thank you for the taste and integrity of your choice of B ROLL. So good! You are wonderful.

[@gingerhansen1902]

I have an affinity for Japanese art and I have saved many broken bowls to hopefully, someday, attempt the technique. I love the symbolic philosophy behind kintsugi but I don't think i have ever heard it put so beautifully and in a way that made me turn the philosophy inward at a time when it means so much to me personally. Thank you for such a beautiful presentation. I'd love to share it on my social media with your permission and direction. I will definitely share it among my friends. 💜 ...and I will finally attempt a kintsugi piece!! I find myself with more time these days due to disability.

[@akagamishanks2774]

Man, you deserve every subscriber you have.

[@Glassborg]

It's cool how you took Tilburg as an example. Having been there many times I realy have grown to appreciate how it owned up to it's past and turned it in to something beautiful. Being from Eindhoven myself I saw happening in Tilburg what started in Eindhoven a few years earlier. Turning it's abandoned industrial past in to areas everyone wanted to live, and which breathed life. Strijp-S is a great example of this too. I do compare it to Tilburgs Spoorzone. The way these cities have transformed more or less in a simular way is a thing of pure beauty.

[@Einzelgänger]

Thanks! Strijp-S is a great example indeed. I really like what they've done to the place. Can't wait to see District-E being realized, by the way.

[@Glassborg]

The first activities concerning the building project have started last Februari. The buildings will take more or less 3 years to be completed, after that starts the greenery implementation. So around 2026 you should be able to see the broader picture.

[@emmarichardson3810]

Thanks! Dank uw wel. Arigato!

[@Einzelgänger]

Thank you!