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From The Afterglow

Verses, Tales, Thoughts

By Varsha Panikar

Embracing imperfections.


So, the other night, me and my friends got into this long chat about perfection – how we all have these different ideas about what's perfect, but it always ends up stressing us out. It's like this unattainable goal that we're all trying to reach, and it hit me that this whole pursuit of perfection is often a real trap. A concept that is, at best, elusive and alluring, a mirage dancing on the horizon of our aspirations.


We chase it, strive for it, convinced that somewhere in the vast expanse of our dreams lies the pinnacle of flawless existence. But what if perfection isn't some finish line? What if it's more like a never-ending dance with our own limitations?


As we navigate the intricate journey of life, we encounter imperfections, flaws that seem to mar the beauty we seek. We see them in our bodies, our relationships, our endeavors. In the pursuit of perfection, we often overlook the cool asymmetry, the offbeat rhythm that makes life interesting. We're so hooked on the idea of flawless order that we are unaware that it is often the imperfections that add depth, dimension, and intrigue to our experiences.


Take our bodies, for example – each one is a masterpiece of imperfections. Each face, each body, a story etched in lines and curves, tells a story of growth, resilience, and the passing of time. Those imperfections aren't screw-ups; they're signatures, marking our unique journey.


And what of the cosmic dance, the grand symphony of stars and galaxies? Is it not the asymmetry, the chaos, that fuels the creativity of the universe? From the swirling nebulae to the colliding planets, it is the interplay of imperfections that gives birth to the breathtaking beauty we behold. In the cosmic sense, perfection does not make sense. The universe is a vast and chaotic place, full of imperfections and surprises. It is in this chaos that we find beauty and meaning.


In our own lives, embracing imperfections is where the real magic happens. When we drop the idea of chasing perfection and go with the flow, that's when we open up to a world of possibilities. Imperfections become the seeds of growth and transformation.


Is it worth sacrificing everything to achieve some idea of perfections in life? Sure, aiming high is cool, but not at the expense of our well-being. When we're all about that perfect life, it's a one-way ticket to anxiety, self-doubt, and fear of failure. We might even push ourselves to the point of exhaustion and neglect our relationships, our health, and our happiness.


Perhaps, the pursuit of growth and understanding is a much more rewarding endeavour than the pursuit of perfection. Perhaps, focusing on learning and growing, allows us to open ourselves up to new possibilities and experiences. It is what makes us more resilient, adaptable, and compassionate.


Of course, there will be times when we stumble and fall. There will be times when we feel like we are not good enough. But these setbacks are part of the journey. They are opportunities to learn and grow. They are reminders that we are not perfect, and that is okay.



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