Hold on Loosely
I have written over 30 of these emails and none of them have been sent out without a typo. I notoriously type very fast and loud. My brain working at a different speed than my fingers. The letters E, A and N on my keyboard are so worn they are just white blurs on black keys. Even after spellcheck, sending myself 5 test runs, and the hubs editing, I will see a major gaff as soon as I hit send.
If you are striving for perfection, I have disappointing news. If I held on with those unrealistically high standards and critical judgments I would be in a constant state of disappointment and I wouldn't send anything out at all. Churchill wrote "Perfection is the enemy of progress" teaching us that by waiting for perfection, we could be waiting a long time, therefore getting nowhere. Instead of perfection, perhaps instead strive for a personal best, excellence, or learning ... unless you're my surgeon. Then, I'd like you to nail it please.
While perfection is alluring, it's our scars that tell our stories—the wounds that tell of struggles won and lost as well as ongoing battles. The blunders that reveal our charm. There is beauty in the imperfect for those with the perspective to appreciate it. The ugly fruits and vegetables always taste better.
Clearly this year has offered us plenty of opportunities to practice imperfection as nothing has gone to plan. We learn as we go.
Entering the holidays this week, allow yourselves the grace to simply make the most of what is. I don't deny there is great loneliness and sadness. My hope is that we all find a way to connect and feel loved even when we cannot gather. Prepare whatever you feel like making for Thanksgiving or order out and give up any notion that it has to be perfect. My friend Dardi told me her daughter wants pasta salad for Thanksgiving. Sounds perfect.
Yoga continually teaches us to be in the moment, whether it is painful or pleasurable. It continually offers us the lesson of breaking the attachment to any particular outcome. When you surrender your necessity for the present moment to be a certain way, you are free to experience it as it is.....its imperfection perfect.