If we believe that practice makes perfect, we forget that life isn’t about becoming perfect — it is about developing a practice of living from our authentic core. When we consciously engage in practice, our actions become outward reflections of our internal life.
Inward focused practice includes meditation, journaling, creating art, or other contemplative exercises. Outward focused practice occurs in every moment as we listen to our internal voice, recognize the messiness of life, and respond from our authentic core. Through practice we recognize how our imperfections hijack our life. Instead of blaming or shaming imperfect actions, we choose to reframe those reactions into responses.
Accepting that we are imperfect and the world uncertain, we more easily connect with the messiness in each unfolding moment. How we react or respond in those moments are reflections our mindful practice. Our reactions scatter our mindfulness sending us down dead end detours. Our responses are the navigation tools that power us nonviolently through life’s uncertainty. Accepting that we are imperfect and that the world is uncertain poises us to meet our challenges and identify our life lessons objectively.
Attention to practice refines us. It is the cloth that rubs the tarnish from the imperfections of our authentic self. Through practice, we live our soul purpose by identifying what is illusion and what are honest, true reflections of who we are. Through our practice, we recognize that our journey is less about being perfect in a certain world and everything about negotiating this uncertain, sometimes scary, world in the imperfect vessel we are.
Through practice we let go of our judgments, our defenses — the blaming, the shaming of our self and others. When we rub off the tarnish to reveal our imperfect self, we move from blaming and shaming to forgiveness of our self and others. Through forgiveness we celebrate the humanness reflected in our imperfections. The acceptance of our humanness is a beacon shining us into a new reality. Our life with all the imperfections and uncertainty becomes a message of courage and curious daring.
Vanessa F. Hurst, ms, is a Mindful Coach, Neural Synchrony™ facilitator, Professional Speaker, and Author who weaves her inner wisdom into all she touches. Vanessa assists clients in navigating their life paths with intuition. Her books are A Constellation of Connections: Contemplative Relationships and Engaging Compassion Through Intent & Action. Contact Vanessa @ vanessa@intentandaction.com for keynotes, programs, and consultations.
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