Why do we have the idea that perfection is reality?
Wanting to achieve perfection in our lives can certainly be motivating, but it can also set us up to believe we're just not good enough if we don't achieve the levels of perfection we set for ourselves.
Forget about others having expectations of us being perfect.
More often than not, we are the ones who put such demands on ourselves, and beat ourselves up when we can't seem to reach the goals we have set.
We strive for perfection in so many areas of our lives.
However, it is important to be mindful about what is underneath the desire for all things to be perfect. Ask yourself, what is perfection, really?
These questions can serve as a point of inquiry and lead you to discover what's really driving the agenda of setting such high levels of perfection for yourself and for others.
We all have our own perspective on what is perfect. What might be a perfect situation for me may not be perfect for you.
So, if perfection is real, why are there so many thoughts and opinions about what is perfect and what is not?
It's exactly that, they are just thoughts.
The moment we reach one level of perfection, all of a sudden it's not good enough and we set higher standards for ourselves.
This is simply the mind telling us what is perfect and what is not.
Try this exercise the next time you are judging whether you, someone else or something else is not perfect or good enough, and make a conscious decision to drop all judgments around perfection.
Instead, let the situation be what it is, without judging whether it's perfect or not and then see what you discover.
Perhaps when we all stop striving for a certain level of perfection and let go of the stress that comes along with seeking such perfection, we'll see that we can love who we are and all other things with our perceived thoughts of imperfection.
Lorraine Wilson is a guest speaker, group facilitator and provides one on one mentoring for those who wish to live a mindful life.
For more information visit www.keepinglifesimple.org.
