I’m not perfect. (Part I)

“Well of course you’re not. Nobody is.”

I see how that makes sense in theory and proverbs, but I feel the practical affair is a very different one.

In recent weeks the idea of perfection has frequently crossed my mind, served as the topic of discussions amongst friends and in one way or another been a point of focus with some of my favourite TED speakers (Beware – TEDmania coming up).

The problem I realize lies not so much in the acknowledgment that I’m not perfect, but more in my obsession with it – it seems I constantly strive towards an imaginary perfect state of being. It takes a couple of dear friends to break through the shell and remind me of the fact that being imperfect is ok; that having flaws is only human.

So how come that being reminded of my imperfections is such a devastating experience? I fall apart and look around anxiously to pick up the pieces – the pieces that are supposed to be me. But are they?

Thandie Newton and her TED presentation came to the rescue some weeks back. In the most heartfelt and sincere manner, she reminds us that the Self (or Ego) only has a function…and shouldn’t be mistaken for who we really are. Our essence, she says, is experienced in the absence of Self – this is where connection can be found. Being nobody (as opposed to somebody) means being alive, truly alive.

Sigh – turns out I don’t need to chase perfection after all. To the contrary, I better run from it as fast as I can.

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~ by choicesoflife on November 6, 2011.