There are many painful existential realities that we have to come to terms with throughout our lives. Perhaps none is more painful than the reality of imperfection. Like it or not, the world is imperfect. Like it or not, our family and friends, and our relationships with them, are imperfect. And like it or not, we — ourselves — are imperfect. Coming to accept and embrace this imperfection is a lifelong process. The Japanese have a term — wabi sabi (侘寂) — which is sometimes translated as “beauty in imperfection.” Can we find beauty in the imperfections of life? Can we find beauty in the imperfections of others? Can we find beauty in our imperfect selves? The non-judgmental, compassionate, and patient nature of mindfulness helps us with this difficult task.

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