Perfectly Imperfect

Are we perfectly imperfect?

In a society that often glorifies perfection and success, yoga offers a refreshing perspective on embracing imperfection. The practice of yoga teaches us valuable lessons about letting go of our perfectionist tendencies and finding peace within ourselves. Rather than striving for flawless poses or the perfect meditation session, yoga encourages us to embrace our uniqueness, listen to our bodies, and cultivate self-acceptance. In this blog, we will explore how yoga can help us break free from the chains of perfectionism and discover a more balanced approach to life.

A little background….that was then…

Let me be transparent here. I have struggled, for most of my life, with trying to be perfect. No one ever told me that perfection is not attainable, so I always thought if I just tried a little harder, it was possible. I had a history of setting goals and standards too high, not only for myself but also for those around me – and you know who you are. (If you are reading this, I am sorry.) I also had difficulty overlooking mistakes and my need for organization, structure, and control was off the charts. Maybe I have just described you or someone you know.

But, as I age, I find the quest to be perfect is exhausting. I am tired of constantly judging my appearance, the condition of my home, and my cooking skills, having to have perfect relationships, perfect pets, and the perfect yoga practice and poses. 

this is now…

I am embracing that life is messy and I am messy – perfectly messy in all areas of my life and I am beginning to love the idea of this. I am beginning to see the beauty in my imperfection. The Japanese have a term for this. They call it Wabi-Sabi – very simplistically described as the beauty of imperfection and impermanence. Cracked teapots or bowls that have been glued and painted, gardens with a few weeds, the single daisy with a petal missing, the bent watering can, the brass or copper serving dish that has acquired a patina over time – all imperfect and impermanent all beautiful in their own unique way.

Healthy vs. unhealthy perfection

Don’t get me wrong, some perfectionist tendencies can be a good thing. Healthy perfection pushes us to be our personal best and it has the potential to inspire others to be their best too. The quest for perfection becomes unhealthy when we begin to fear failure, have an overwhelming need to control, can’t trust others to handle things, and set unrealistic goals for ourselves and others. It can lead to anxiety, depression, and stress that manifests as physical ailments.

Overcoming the perfection trap

Yoga can be a powerful tool in helping the perfectionist live a more balanced life in three distinct ways:

1. The Power of Mindfulness: Yoga promotes mindfulness, which involves being fully present in the moment without judgment. By focusing on our breath, sensations, and thoughts during our practice, we learn to observe ourselves without the need for perfection. Mindfulness teaches us to accept the imperfections of our bodies and minds, allowing us to accept ourselves as we are without constantly seeking improvement. Through mindfulness, yoga teaches us to value the process and journey rather than fixating on the result.

2. Cultivating Self-Compassion: Perfectionism often goes hand in hand with self-criticism and harsh judgment. Yoga encourages us to cultivate self-compassion, acknowledging that we are human beings with limitations and flaws. In yoga, we learn to treat ourselves with kindness and understanding, embracing both our strengths and vulnerabilities. By practicing self-compassion on the mat, we develop the capacity to extend it into other areas of our lives, allowing us to navigate setbacks and challenges with greater resilience and self-acceptance.

3. Letting Go of Expectations: Yoga invites us to release our attachment to outcomes and expectations. Rather than fixating on achieving the perfect pose or mastering advanced techniques, yoga teaches us to surrender to the present moment. By letting go of our expectations, we open ourselves up to the beauty of exploration, self-discovery, and personal growth. Yoga encourages us to celebrate progress, no matter how small, and appreciate the unique journey.

 A final note

Yoga provides a powerful antidote to perfectionism, offering us a path toward self-acceptance, self-compassion, and inner peace.  It can help us create a more balanced and compassionate approach to ourselves and the world around us. Yoga is the Wabi-Sabi for my soul.

Be well dear Yogis and don't forget that we are all perfectly imperfect.

Namaste-