Thursday Tapestry: What AI, boundaries, and wabi-sabi teach us about being human
- Su-Yen Wong
- Oct 29
- 3 min read
I've been reflecting on wabi-sabi - the quiet appreciation of imperfection, impermanence, and authenticity. From AI and creativity to boundaries and balance, this month's threads explore the beauty of being human. Let's dive in.
The Blurred Lines of Creativity
I've always been a big fan of the arts - where imagination, emotion, and expression come alive. So when I came across Tilly Norwood, the world's first fully AI-generated actress, I couldn't help but pause. She's brought to life entirely by algorithms - no camera crew, no script readings, just digital creativity in motion. Some see her as the future of storytelling, where technology expands what's possible. Others see her as a reminder to protect the human heart of art. Maybe it's not one or the other. Maybe it's about learning to create with technology - to let AI become a collaborator in how we dream, design, and tell stories. What do you think - can AI and humans truly co-star in the art of creativity?
Ever felt guilty saying no?
Technology can push us toward doing more, faster - but humans need space to think, to breathe, to be. I used to think saying yes was the fastest way to build trust and show commitment. But as Benjamin Laker shares in his Forbes article “The Career Risk of Always Saying Yes & I'll Help,” saying yes too often can quietly drain your energy, blur your focus, and even stall your growth. Learning to say no - kindly, clearly, and confidently - was one of the hardest but most freeing lessons. It's not about being unhelpful; it's about protecting your energy. What would change if you said no more often?
The Beauty of Imperfection
And that brings me to wabi-sabi. It's the crack in a favourite mug, the scar that tells a story, the project that didn't go perfectly but taught you something precious. It reminds me of my Polar Circle Half-Marathon in Greenland. Was I ready for this? Nope. But progress beats perfection. There is no "perfect" time, idea, or plan. In a world chasing perfection, wabi-sabi reminds us that sometimes, the most beautiful parts of our story are the ones we never planned. What's one “imperfection” in your journey that's turned out to be something you're grateful for?
Finding Beauty in Every Bite (Even the Wrapper!)
Wabi-sabi in action: embracing life, flaws, and foil.
Until next time - don't forget to hit pause once in a while… even the best journeys need pit stops.
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