How a Mindfulness Meditation Led Me to See Healing Through a New Lens

This morning during my mindfulness meditation, an unexpected thought popped into my mind: Kintsugi. If you’re not familiar with it, Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery by filling the cracks with gold. Instead of trying to hide the damage, it highlights the flaws, making the piece more beautiful and valuable than it was before.

Kintsugi Art, Repaired with Gold

As I sat with this thought, it struck me how similar this is to what we do as massage therapists. Our clients often come to us feeling “broken” in some way—physically, emotionally, or both. And just like in Kintsugi, our role isn’t to erase those cracks but to help them heal, grow, and find beauty in their journey. I couldn’t wait to sit down and write about this idea because I think it’s a powerful way to think about healing work—both for therapists and anyone navigating life challenges.

Healing Isn’t About Erasing Flaws

Kintsugi teaches that brokenness is a part of life, and rather than seeing it as something to hide, we can embrace it as part of who we are. This feels so relevant to the work we do in massage therapy.

When clients come in with pain or tension, our goal isn’t to “fix” them. It’s about helping their body reconnect with its own natural ability to heal. Whether they’re dealing with physical discomfort or emotional stress, their challenges are part of their story. As therapists, we can help them see that healing is a process of transformation—not of going back to how things were before but of moving forward into something new.

A Non-Linear Path

Kintsugi also reminds us that healing takes time and doesn’t follow a straight path. When pottery is repaired with gold, it’s a careful, deliberate process. The same is true in massage therapy. Some sessions will bring noticeable changes, while others might focus on more minor, less apparent shifts.

As I reflected on this during my meditation, I realized how important it is for therapists and clients to be patient. Progress doesn’t always come quickly, and that’s okay. Every step forward, no matter how small, is worth celebrating.

The Power of Presence

Another thing that stood out to me is the intention behind Kintsugi. The artist carefully repairs each piece, turning it into something unique and beautiful. As therapists, we do something similar when we approach our work with presence and mindfulness.

When we’re fully present with a client—listening to their needs, paying attention to how their body responds, and working with intention—we create a space where real healing can happen. It’s not about rushing or forcing change but about holding space for the body’s natural process.

Celebrating Strength

What I love most about Kintsugi is how it celebrates the beauty of imperfection. Those golden lines aren’t just scars; they’re symbols of resilience. This is such a powerful reminder for anyone who’s been through physical or emotional challenges.

As massage therapists, we can help our clients see their strength. Whether they’ve been living with chronic pain, recovering from an injury, or simply trying to manage stress, their ability to keep moving forward is something to honor. When we shift the focus from what’s “wrong” to what’s strong, we give them a new perspective on their healing journey.

Lessons for Therapists Too

One final thought that came to me during my meditation is that we, as therapists, are also part of this process. Like the pottery, we’re not perfect, and that’s okay. Caring for others can take a toll, and it’s important to remember to care for ourselves.

If you’re a therapist reading this, I encourage you to embrace your “cracks.” Take time for self-care, allow yourself to rest, and remember that your imperfections are part of what makes you human—and a better healer.

Bringing It All Together

As I wrapped up my meditation, I couldn’t stop thinking about how much Kintsugi applies to our work. It’s not just about mending what’s broken—it’s about helping people see the beauty in their journey and the strength they’ve gained along the way.

If you’re on your healing journey or a therapist supporting others, I hope this idea resonates with you. The cracks and flaws aren’t something to hide—they’re part of the story, and when we embrace them, we find a new kind of beauty and strength.

Thanks for letting me share this reflection with you. Let me know your thoughts—I’d love to hear how you see Kintsugi in your life or work.

Rhett Hatfield