The World As It Is

The Beauty of Imperfection

“One of the basic notions of Taoism is that the world in all its mystery and difficulty cannot be improved upon, only experienced. We are asked to believe that life in all its complexity and wonder is complete as is—ever changing and vital, but never perfect.”
Mark Nepo (The Book of Awakening)

If you want to experience a near-perfect world, go to the Birmingham Botanical Gardens today. The Japanese cherry trees are in full bloom. Walking among them is akin to walking in the clouds.

If you’re like me and listen to the news, or read a paper, you probably don’t have an image of the world as perfect right now. In fact, after months of exposure to the political woes here and abroad, one would have to be completely nuts to think it so. I could make a list of all the atrocities taking place, but no need—you know them as well as I do. It is hard to even contemplate what a perfect world would look like, since we’ve never seen it. Would there be peace and prosperity? Would humans share the wealth and the resources equally? Would governments be benevolent and cooperative? Would the lion lie down with the lamb? Is that a utopian delusion?

Since our world is imperfect, and always has been, and always will be until all humans are evolved enough to settle their differences with kindness and not war, and nature is somehow tamed, we just have to love it as it is. This is not to say that we cannot, and should not, do what we can to improve it. Our job is to feed those among us who are hungry, to help those who are in need, and to walk humbly, and gently, on the earth. If we were to do just those three things, much that is imperfect about our world would be healed. We can’t tame Mother Nature, but we can tame our own natures. Can’t we?

Today, if possible, get out into our imperfect world and experience what perfection it has to offer. Spring is as close as it gets.

In the spirit,
Jane