Be Present Not Perfect

Enjoy this re-post and reminder for today.

Many of us strive to be perfect. We think that if we achieve perfection, then all will be well. We will find the confidence and certainty that we yearn for.

We think that when we are perfect, others will love us more and we will be happy. We’re so used to driving and pushing forward in our lives.

I have seen it in some yoga classes where the students are wanting to attain the perfect pose…. whether their body is capable of it or not… Ouch! It can end with physical harm as well as disillusionment.
I have seen it with some coaching clients who want to find the perfect job, where they have the best supportive boss, do only the things they love to do and there is no conflict. It ends with constantly seeking something better, and ongoing disappointment.

Striving for perfection can become a real burden on our mind, body and spirit.

The key to access our inner wisdom and best self is by becoming present, rather than trying to be perfect.

Think about it for a moment… When we are trying to be perfect we look into the past and tend to  judge ourselves for being less than we want to be. We then turn our attention to the future and who we want to become.
And in between, we miss out on living in the present

Instead of striving towards something, we can learn to gently turn our direction into the here and now. It sounds so simple, yet can be hard to do in practice.

As you let go of the tense grip of perfection, can you let yourself release into the present moment?

Are you able to notice your breath, the feelings in your body and the thoughts in your head… just as they are, without judgment?

Can you feel a yearning in your body, mind and spirit as you consider letting go and entering a new place within you that is already perfect?

Notice the soft feeling within you right now…..

And perhaps notice your harsh inner critic who pops up and tells you its a waste of time, or it can’t work for you…..

Or that quieter innocent voice within you who longs to be okay just the way you are…..

Begin the journey to being present more and more every day, by committing to it.

Make it a practice to be present rather than to be perfect.

Namaste