Here’s a favourite quote of mine from Leonard Cohen.

There’s a part of me that’s perfectionist. And so reflecting on the value of imperfection is often very welcome. 

Here’s 10 reasons why embracing your inner flaw-someness is awesome:

1. There is no such thing as perfection. If you think something you’ve done or created is perfect, someone can always come along and find a flaw.

2. Flaws give opportunities. Take something like a broken crack in a pavement. That’s a space from which a wildflower can grow.

3. Our imperfect past experience teaches us compassion and create connection. When you suffer, you are immediately more deeply connected to others, often millions of others, who have also gone through a similar suffering

4. Imperfection is beautiful. In Japan they call it wabi-sabi. When things are imperfect, they can genuinely look more beautiful.

5. Imperfection is natural. Look at any tree. Its beauty is in its imperfection. If all its branches were perfectly straight, it certainly wouldn’t look as nice.

6. Things going wrong make great stories. Almost any good story involves something going wrong. If a lot of things have gone wrong for you, you’ll be able to share great stories about it all!

7. People love people who share their flaws. There’s something nice and connecting when someone is open and honest and vulnerable about things that have gone wrong in their lives. Somehow it makes us feel more relaxed being around them.

8. We learn almost exclusively from mistakes. When things go right, all we learn is that we did something right. When things go wrong, we know something needs to change and it gives us a new challenge to engage and grow in.

9. Embracing imperfection makes life easier. Rather than constantly thinking how life has gone wrong, you can think about how life has gone right, since imperfection is normal.

10. That’s where the light comes in. When we embrace our cracks, the inner light of wisdom, insight, love and peace are able to enter into us and thereby, into society. 

One way to embrace your imperfection is to follow the 80:20 rule mindfully in this way.

To practice embracing your inner cracks and outer imperfections, listen to this week’s guided meditation taken straight out of our imperfect Daily Mindfulness Club.

Special Offer: Enjoyed the meditation a lot? Join Daily Mindfulness Club for free for 30 days. It may not be for you, but you can only find out if you give it a try.