The Perfection of Imperfection

Perfect or Flawed? What would you say if asked? If you were to describe yourself to someone who was blind, or didn't have Zoom, or was on the phone, how would you do it?

I would venture to say that you would describe yourself in an unfavorable light; more than likely, point out all the "flaws." But are the flaws a bad thing?

The Japanese have a term--Wabi Sabi--derived from Buddhism. It centers around the "acceptance of transience and imperfection." From the perspective of Wabi Sabi, a frayed quilt, a tarnished copper bowl, or a scratched wooden floor, is more Beautiful because of its imperfection. Cracks and crevices, dents and wrinkles, all marked by time, are perfect because of it, not in spite of it.

The concept of Wabi Sabi is freeing. The crooked nose, the chipped tooth, the stubby fingers, the scarred arm, the missing leg . . . are all the marks of time, and experience; the thing that makes you Unique, unlike anyone else. In the spirit of Wabi Sabi, it is authenticity that is revered. Imperfection is perfection.

Regard the Rose. It is undeniably Beautiful. One could even say, perfect. Its scent, lovely. But also regard the thorns. They can prick you and make you bleed. Is the Rose still Perfect?

The Perfection of Imperfection frees you--from the pressures of constantly striving for the unattainable--a perfection that does not exist.

Embrace your "flaws" because in those lie your perfection--the perfection that is Authentic because it takes nothing away from who you really are, but instead lays bare your true Beauty.