“And then bring the attention back to the…” I jumped out of my meditative position and paused the charming voice from the Headspace app before he even finished his sentence. It was my 8th day of the 10-day introductory meditation practice, but it took me well over a month to still be on Day 8! Each session takes only 10 minutes, but why did it take me so long?
Like any procrastinator, I felt guilty for procrastinating, of course. But in the middle of the beautiful British accented voice, I had this sudden moment of realization — it doesn’t have to be perfect. I don’t have to be perfect.
Mindfulness seems to remind us of perfectness because it brings us to a higher state of consciousness. Yet the mantras tell us to be accepting of our feelings, thoughts, and the very fact that we are imperfect — is there a disconnection here? Even though I took over a month to complete what’s supposed to be a basic 10-day meditation session, it doesn’t matter — meditation is not about perfection, but about me… my own well-being, consciousness, and happiness.
I used to create all these motivational quotes for myself to combat the intensiveness of graduate school. “You are imperfect, but you are fucking amazing and that’s so much better!” I came up with my own mantra that helped me through those stressful times. This self-made quote reminded me that imperfection is simply part of life, just like all the chores and bad relationships we experience throughout our time on earth.
Meditation and mindfulness are not about perfection. Yoga is not about having the best posture or getting your legs around your back. These practices are about you and about feeling amazing at your own pace. I am sure I will still worry about whether or not I am doing a pose right in my next yoga class, because I am imperfect after all. But hey, at least I got to my yoga class. I showed up. The same goes for my Headspace meditation journey — the 10-day meditation session will take me as however long I need.
What do you take at your own speed that may not fit with societal or cultural expectations? Leave a comment below and share your story with us!
