Alexandra: I’m so sorry, Universe. I haven’t a clue what to chat with you about. I’m just hoping that at least if I start, something will come from it.

The Universe: My dear Alexandra, this is already good. Usually humans think they have to have a plan or something worthwhile in mind before taking action. Yet here you are – putting action first, and trusting that good will come from it.

A: I guess. Like when I feel glum and instruct my face to smile, and then find I feel better.

U: Just so.

A: Actually, you’re right!

U: I usually am!

A: Yes… Anyway, I was going to say that this is like the history of my Buddhist practice. I kept it up faithfully (no pun intended) for years, despite feeling utterly overwhelmed by fear, hopelessness and doubt.

U: Why do you think you did that? Many other people would have given up.

A: It was the only thing I had to hold onto. Also, I had experiences in the earlier years of my practice of allowing my daimoku* to dwindle because of depression, and effectively opening wide the door for despair to take me over. So experience has given me the wisdom to know I can’t afford to play with my practice.

U: Buddhist practice is about creating value; correct?

A: Yes.

U: Every time you fight back against the darkness, you’re using something negative to create value, you’re moving your life forward, instead of just surrendering to the darkness. You’re choosing to create light.

A: That’s true.

U: So please forget your ideas and notions about perfection. Buddhism – life – isn’t about perfection. It’s about happiness, joy, courage and compassion.

Ring the bells that still can ring. 
Forget your perfect offering.
There is a crack, a crack in everything.
That’s how the light gets in.
That’s how the light gets in.
~ Leonard Cohen

A: I’m so glad I decided to jump into our chat today, dear Universe. You even inspired me to go to the Web for more wisdom about the folly of perfectionism. And here it is!

“At its root, perfectionism isn’t really about a deep love of being meticulous. It’s about fear. Fear of making a mistake. Fear of disappointing others. Fear of failure. Fear of success.” — Michael Law

“Perfectionism doesn’t make you feel perfect. It makes you feel inadequate.” — Maria Shriver

“Perfectionism is not a quest for the best. It is a pursuit of the worst in ourselves, the part that tells us that nothing we do will ever be good enough.” — Julia Cameron

“Perfectionism is internalized oppression.” — Gloria Steinem

My huge thanks to Vix Anderton on LinkedIn for these quotes. And for one more, which I find so uplifting:

Courage does not always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, “I will try again tomorrow.” — Mary Anne Radmacher

Photo by Kamil Molendys on Unsplash

*Daimoku means the sound: Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. Chanting this sound awakens and activates your highest potential – Buddhahood.