Ensō.

The symbol of absolute enlightenment, strength, elegance, the universe, and the void.

A token of togetherness, a symbol of serenity. I first became familiarized with the enso when I visited Japan last summer. Mesmerized by its abstract appearance, I soon became absorbed by the profound meaning behind this emblem.

Upon first glance it is merely a misshapen circle painted using a single brush stroke.

Open, nearly closed, or closed. There is no forever in this loop yet it represents eternal connection. The shape is by no means a perfect circle, though it is precisely this imperfection that makes it so alluring. It cannot be replicated nor is there a guideline for an ideal shape.

An enso is said to show our authentic and innermost self; a moment when the artist experiences complete stillness of the mind.

The symbol serves to us, a message: Like an enso, we are one of a kind. Perplexed by each contour, there is more to us all than what meets the eye. We must embrace our individualities, for this is:

The beauty of imperfection.