Polly Campbell: The Perfect, Imperfect Spirituality
Omtimes: You share a lot of your own imperfections and snarky moments—why did you decide to do that? Was it a difficult thing to be that open on the page?
Polly: Imperfect Spirituality is about connecting to self—the pristine and the messy. Part of being human and authentic and spiritually connected is to be true to yourself. I couldn’t do that in life and not do that in the book. I felt like I needed to be true and consistent. I wanted people to see that I don’t have it all figured out either, and that’s O.K. I’m working and practicing and learning every day. It wasn’t all that difficult to be open on the page, but I am aware that I did that and it is a vulnerable feeling sometimes.
Omtimes: You talk about your experience with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis and you mention that it “gave” and “taught” you things – what good could come out of a chronic disease?
Polly: Of course, there were times too, when it was difficult to be in my body. But I do feel like I learned a lot because I have lived with the disease. The biggies are compassion, determination, kindness, gratitude and resilience. I’ve also met some amazing people who have helped me and shaped me on my journey that I probably wouldn’t have met if my body had been different. . Omtimes: How does the practice of imperfection play out in a day-to-day way?
Polly: Imperfection gives me perspective, when I’m prone to freak out. It offers me faith when life feels confusing or painful, and adds meaning. Spirit is always present. It shows up in how I treat myself compassionately, how I connect with others, how I work with integrity, and reminds me that I’m doing just what I need to be doing. It plays out in how I parent—with respect and love for the inner light of my child. I am able to see more than her behavior and can really delight in learning who she is, so that she too can find her way.
