The desire to be “better”
than you are in this moment
is to DISCOUNT
what you are in this moment.
Can you see the possibility
that you’ve placed yourself
in OPPOSITION to your self?
Can you see the possibility
that you’ve done this
EVERY SECOND
of your so-called “life?”
A constant state of “not-good-enough.”
How does that make you feel?
Why do you let it?
Until you realize
that you are perfect already,
you will never realize perfection.
You ARE perfection, mind you,
you simply don’t REALIZE it.
Trail Wood,
2/13
In the intricate dance of self-perception and the pursuit of growth, we encounter the paradoxical truth that the very desire to surpass our current selves can lead to a devaluation of who we are in the present moment. This reflection offers a profound insight into the nature of self-improvement, suggesting that by striving for a future state of “better,” we inadvertently position ourselves in opposition to our current state of being, perpetuating a cycle of perceived inadequacy.
The Paradox of Self-Improvement
The pursuit of self-improvement, while inherently motivated by a desire for growth and evolution, can paradoxically anchor us in a perpetual state of dissatisfaction. This dichotomy arises when the quest to be “better” is rooted not in the joy of growth but in the rejection of the present self. The realization that we might have been in opposition to ourselves at every moment of our lives illuminates the pervasive undercurrent of “not-good-enough” that can color our existence.
The Constant State of Self-Opposition
Recognizing that we may have placed ourselves in opposition to our own being every second of our lives is a startling revelation. It confronts us with the reality of a constant, internal conflict—a relentless assessment of our worth through the lens of inadequacy. This state of self-opposition not only diminishes our ability to appreciate our inherent value but also obstructs our capacity to experience joy and fulfillment in the present.
The Emotional Toll of Perceived Inadequacy
The feeling of perpetual inadequacy, of never being “good enough,” carries a significant emotional toll. It engenders a sense of frustration, disappointment, and sometimes even despair, as we grapple with the dissonance between who we are and who we believe we should be. The question then arises: Why do we allow this perception to dictate our emotional landscape? The answer lies in our conditioned narratives and societal pressures, which often emphasize achievement and perfection as measures of worth.
The Realization of Inherent Perfection
The key to transcending this cycle of self-opposition and perceived inadequacy is the realization that we are already perfect in our essence. This perfection is not a state to be achieved but a truth to be realized. It suggests that our worth is not contingent upon external accomplishments or future improvements but is an intrinsic aspect of our being. By shifting our perspective to recognize and embrace this inherent perfection, we open the door to a profound transformation in how we experience ourselves and the world.
The Journey to Realization
The journey from seeing ourselves as perpetually lacking to recognizing our inherent perfection is both a cognitive and spiritual shift. It requires us to question deeply ingrained beliefs about worth, success, and self-improvement. This shift is not about abandoning growth or self-development but about redefining the motivation behind it. It’s about pursuing growth not as a remedy for inadequacy but as an expression of our inherent fullness and perfection.
The Liberation of Self-Acceptance
Embracing our inherent perfection liberates us from the self-imposed constraints of not-good-enough. It allows us to engage with life from a place of self-acceptance, where every moment is an opportunity to experience the fullness of our being. In this space, growth and improvement become pathways to deeper self-expression and exploration, rather than conditions for self-acceptance.
Summary
The contemplation of our inherent perfection amidst the desire for self-improvement reveals a profound truth: that the pursuit of “better” can lead us into opposition with ourselves, perpetuating a sense of inadequacy. Recognizing and embracing our perfection in the present moment transforms our relationship with ourselves, shifting from a paradigm of lack to one of wholeness. This realization does not negate the value of growth but reframes it as an expression of our inherent worth and perfection, freeing us to live more fully and authentically in each moment.
Glossarium
- Inherent Perfection: The understanding that our essential nature is complete and perfect, independent of external achievements or improvements.
- Self-Opposition: The state of being in conflict with oneself, often arising from the pursuit of an idealized future self at the expense of accepting the present self.
In the mirror of now, where truth’s light shines,
We see the perfection that within us aligns.
No longer chasing shadows of what might be,
In the embrace of the present, we are truly free.
We invite reflections on the journey towards recognizing and embracing our inherent perfection, a path that leads us away from self-opposition and towards a deeper acceptance and understanding of our true selves.
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