Imperfectly Beautiful

I was struck by a quote today, and couldn’t resist sharing it with you:

Avoid being a perfectionist. In the Malaysian culture, only the gods are considered capable of producing anything perfect. Whenever something is made, a flaw is left on purpose so the gods will not be offended. Yes, some things need to be closer to perfect than others, but perfectionism (paying unnecessary attention to detail) can be a form of procrastination.

Interesting, thought I; and yet, the part about being imperfect so as not to offend the gods, doesn’t sit quite right with me. A memory from one of my very favorite books, Plain and Simple by Sue Bender, flashed into my mind. Off I went on a scavenger hunt, looking for another quote I had found inspirational many years ago. And if you’ve read Sue Bender, you’ll smile when I say, “first I started off, quickly scanning the book for the quote. Pushing to find the answer. Then I relaxed and enjoyed the journey of being back inside Plain and Simple. I may find the quote, or perhaps I dreamed it. Either way, there are treasures here.” Interesting how relaxing into the moment was intrinsically rewarding.

So, here goes…ideas in my head, inspired by Sue Bender, adapted to my life:

I worked with no plan – letting the spirit take over. When my ego got out of the way, my work had an inner light – something beyond me. Intangible and real. It is mine and not mine.

I no longer feel alone in the creative process. Now I want something from you. I want to reach out and say, “Join me – now it’s your turn to find what you need in the work. ” I wanted to create an empty space. a “fertile void,” as the Chinese say. The Amish often leave a space. a seeming mistake in the midst of their well-thought out plans, to serve as an opening to let the spirit come in.

These words are so deep in my soul. They forever changed my vision. Imperfection is beautiful.