Too often, in yoga, we try to perfect the shape or get it “right.” Attempting to perfect the body will eventually lead to injury and disappointment. I see it often in new students from other styles of yoga because the need to mimic the teacher, check yourself in the mirror, and get it right is inherent to the ego thought system. It is falsely associated with the notion that something magical happens when the “pose” is “properly accomplished.”
The Expectation of Perfection in Life
Life is no different. If not from ourselves, we expect perfection from our friends, family members, and spouses. We expect perfection from our institutions and political leaders. This expectation leads to conflict, disappointment, and pain. High expectations divide and separate. But yoga joins!
A Shift in Perspective
Hamlet said it best: “There is no right or wrong in the world, but thinking makes it so.” Yoga is a forgiving state of mind that releases others—and ourselves—from outer demands and the pursuit of perfection. It is our yoga to release the thoughts that place demands on our brothers, sisters, and ourselves.
The Eternal Truth Beyond Form
In previous meditation classes, I spoke about Perennial Wisdom and a changeless, formless, perfect, and eternal Truth we share in Spirit. It is hidden from our awareness, covered by an imperfect, temporal, and constantly changing world of form. Saints and sages have guided us toward it for centuries. But we need not only take their word for it—let’s give it a shot! We’ve tried other approaches to peace and happiness that haven’t worked. Let’s trust there is an experience of perfect harmony and joy waiting to be had! Let’s go for it!
Where to Look for Perfect Peace
Why do I write this? Because we need to know where to look for perfect peace and happiness. We can unload our minds and withdraw the demands we place on anything outside the mind, including our bodies. This gentle turn inward takes courage and trust. It’s what Avita Yoga is all about. We use the shapes to reveal blockages to natural movement, setting the stage for the more extensive yoga of releasing thoughts that work against us (and often produce physical restriction and pain).
Finding Perfection Within
And now we know where to look for perfection—not in the body, not in the world, but in our hearts, at the center of our being. It is our yoga to remove the barriers to this perfect, untarnished Wholeness. Stay with me, and together, we’ll be shown the way. Like Rumi said:
“Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and right-doing, there is a field. I’ll meet you there.”
The Beauty of Imperfection: Wabi-Sabi
After making this post, an Avita student and teacher pointed out the relevance of the Japanese practice of Wabi-Sabi. Not only is it fun to say, but it addresses the impossibility of perfection in form. With practice, we begin to see all things from a place of Perfect Beauty.
Here’s a concluding paragraph that aligns with the tone of your blog post while incorporating the keyword phrase “perfection in yoga”:
Embracing the Journey
Perfection in yoga is not about achieving an ideal shape—it’s about letting go of the need to perfect anything at all. It’s about embracing our practice, our bodies, and our lives as they are, with compassion and awareness. When we release the pursuit of perfection, we open ourselves to something far greater: a deep and abiding peace that exists beyond form. So let’s continue this journey together, with open hearts and open minds, allowing yoga to guide us back to the wholeness we’ve always known.
Enjoy the meditation that goes with this post.
