Living the Path: Reflections on perfectionism

Hello everyone,

 Mary Elliott here.  As we are in the midst of the holiday season, I’m sharing with you a snippet of the Guide’s teachings on perfectionism.  How many of us get caught up in the unnecessary stress of trying to get the holidays perfect?  What is it about perfectionism that can drive us at times?

 The Guide says we are afraid that “If I am not perfect, I will be unhappy, or disapproved of or not loved.” We believe we experience less than 100% fulfillment and perfection because of some version of “I am not good/special/perfect/worthy enough.”

 But the truth about imperfection is that the more we can embrace it in ourselves, in others, in life, the more joyful we will be. As we strive for a perfection that does not exist on this earth, we lose that spark of joy.

 “Strange as this may seem, the more you accept imperfection, the more joy you will give and receive.  Your capacity for happiness depends on your capacity to accept imperfection, not in words or theories, but in your emotional state.” (PWL #97 Perfectionism Obstructs Happiness)

And so, in the spirit of joy, may we all have a happily imperfect holiday season as 2026 approaches. In January’s Living the Path class, we will explore this lecture on perfectionism.  It’s a great way to start off the New Year!

 Join in November’s Living the Path free lecture discussions!

About Mary Elliott

Mary spent 17 years in the corporate world, followed by 17 years as a massage therapist.  She discovered Pathwork in 1995 and never looked back. Mary was certified as a Pathwork Helper in  2012.  She facilitates classes and workshops and works one-on-one with other lovers of Pathwork, both new and seasoned.