Beware the Cult of Perfectionism

It's a strange thing in our society, this notion that if something isn't perfect it's not worth doing.

In a recent video I posted (click here to see it), there was an interesting comment left on it. It read: "U do look a little wierd and unkept? So I suggest if u are going to record yourself? And to promote spiritual topics and aspects? It would b good and best, if u do so professionally and proper? Otherwise, representing the Faith, is a personal thing, and u do wish u all the best? But I don't think Ruhi is welcomed."

Now, to be clear, I understand where this is coming from. I don't think it was meant as an insult. They are concerned about "striving for excellence", to use the phrase from the Writings. And that is all well and good. I, too, like to try to strive for excellence. But not to the point of inaction.

By trade, I'm an artist. I used to make jewelry for a living, and am now a fashion designer. In my professional life I always strive for excellence. I have a number of pieces that are unfinished merely because I cannot get them to the level of excellence that I demand of myself.

But let's be clear: I am not a professional videographer. I do not make my living at writing about the faith, nor at teaching it. In both of these areas I am an individual who is merely sharing some personal thoughts.

Could I take the time to do more "professional" work? Of course. Could I take the extra amount of time necessary to ensure the lighting is up to the standards set by the entertainment industry? Yes, I could. Am I able to ensure that my hair is perfectly coifed, my skin looks like it's been shined to an unnatural degree of so-called beauty, and that my clothing is of the absolute highest standard? Yes. I could do all of these things. I have the ability.

But I do not have the time.

If I were to try to do this to the levels suggested by some, I would never write nor share anything. I would be paralyzed into inaction.

And so I choose not to.

I believe it is far better to share a few ideas on a personal level with a potentially wide audience than to merely think about these things and only share it with a few friends in a non-virtual way. We are living at a time when we have the ability to share these ideas with this global audience. And there are many professionals who have the time and skill to do this to a far better degree than I can. But they do not have my voice. And there is a slight possibility that my own peculiar voice, my own quirky way of sharing these ideas, may reach someone that will not be attracted by a more polished presentation.

Will I deny them the opportunity to hear the message of Baha'u'llah? Should I?

Of course the answer is no to both those questions.

And all this leads to one other point, that of encouragement.

I share these ideas not because I think my thoughts are somehow profound, nor because I believe that I am somehow special. No. I share them because I have been told by many people that my personal way of sharing has touched their hearts. My joy, the joy I feel at reading the profoundly beautiful and inspiring sacred Texts, has somehow helped others feel a bit more joy, too. So how can I stay quiet?

In the Anglican prayer, they ask God to "Shield the joyous ones". As one who is exuberant, I can understand that. If I were any less confident, any less inspired by these teachings, such a comment as was left on my little video would be devastating. It would paralyze me into inaction. I would feel shamed and humiliated.

Remember, when someone is sharing things like this, they are opening up their heart for all to witness. And when the heart is opened, it is also vulnerable. It can be easily hurt.

So when 'Abdu'l-Baha said, "Beware! Beware lest thou offend any heart", I believe it was also to help "shield the joyous ones".

There are some very beautiful video presentations on the faith out there. There are many that are done by professionals, to the standards set by the entertainment industry. But there are also the simple videos shared by people like me, articles that talk about a little idea that touched someone's heart, works of art that are shared merely for the love of it. And these, too, are a valuable contribution to the community.

So, please, don't get caught up in the cult of perfectionism. Note that when Baha'u'llah refers to "the trees of divine unity, the fruits of His oneness, the leaves of detachment, the blossoms of knowledge and certitude, and the myrtles of wisdom and utterance", He is including not only the mighty trees of the forest, but also the little flowers that grow in their shade.

And so I encourage you, too. If you have a flower you want to share, please do so. I, for one, would love to witness it, even if you are a "bit wierd and unkept".