Perfectly Imperfect
American New Thought writer, teacher, and leader Ernest Holmes observed, “The whole purpose of the Science of Mind is to reconcile the apparent separation of the spiritual world, which must be Perfect, with the material world, which appears imperfect.” The Science of Mind, a powerful force that brings philosophy, religion, and science together, offers principles for living and spiritual tools to transform personal lives, instilling hope and inspiration to make the world a better place.
Ten years ago, I spent some time in India with thirteen traveling companions and a tour guide who, thankfully, handled all the travel arrangements. India greets you with its intensity and depth as soon as you leave the airplane. As a third-world country, you see things you’ve never seen before or even imagined to be possible. Love and compassion wash over you as you take it all in.
One of the locals in Rajasthan shared with me that the American people told him it was hard for them to be in India because it was difficult to bear witness to so much poverty. He responded that they did not live in poverty according to their values. They might have eight people living together in a small room and love the close, intimate time they spend together. He said that they believe Americans live in poverty because we have 2,500 square foot homes with two to three people living there. That seemed very sad and lonely to them, like poverty.
Being human can be messy at times and appear imperfect. We are each perfectly imperfect and would all do well to be proud of our imperfections. Thinking you are alone in your suffering creates separation from others and God. If you are dealing with something troubling, I invite you to remember that you are not alone. You were made in the image and likeness of God. You are the living presence of love endowed with the wholeness of spiritual perfection within you. Beyond the word of appearances is the spiritual prototype of your good, your highest and best self, waiting to be noticed. Say yes to this good.
Amid your suffering, if you could imagine your spiritual perfection and know that within you there is that which has never been hurt, harmed, deceived, betrayed, ill, or otherwise, and focus on that, your suffering would decrease.
In difficult times, we often focus on the difficulty that perpetuates it and the suffering around it. Instead of dwelling on the source of the pain, the group of thoughts you’re having that perpetuate it and make it worse, imagine what you would love to experience instead. Keep focusing on that, and bring it into your prayer and meditation. Create a vision board or journal about it and discuss it with your friends. Share it as a possibility that you’re empowered to live into in the here and now. Your spiritual magnificence awaits.
Know that the Universe is always conspiring for your highest and best good.
You are not flawed. You are perfectly imperfect, exactly as you are.
And so it is.
