Imperfect Spirituality: Extraordinary Enlightenment for Ordinary People by Polly Campbell

Imperfect Spirituality: Extraordinary Enlightenment for Ordinary People Reviews

• 
  Jeff Maziarek

  I really liked this book in its entirety, and as such I highly recommend it as a spiritual growth resource. The author is so darned "real" and so funny, and the writing style is very conversational in nature. You get the sense that you are sitting across the table from her having a friendly conversation in a coffee shop, or even a bar for that matter.
  
  One of the key elements for me finding value in a given book is the "authenticity" of the author. Specifically, it's vital that the work comes across in a manner that demonstrates a certain level of "humanness" and humility on his or her part. Polly Campbell's work clearly meets that standard, as she openly shares both her triumphs and her foibles as well.
  
  The reality is, spirituality is actually a minute-to-minute practice, and there are times when all of us will "fall off the wagon" and fail to stay firmly on the path. "Imperfect Spirituality" provides practical insights on how to get back on the wagon, and not beat yourself up for having fallen off in the first place. In fact, it features numerous "In the Moment Practice" suggestions, as well as other valuable recommendations based on the author's personal experiences. It also should be noted that even although the text is targeted more towards a female audience, it's definitely my experience that the content is of great value to male readers as well. The following is one of perhaps a hundred great excerpts that can be pulled from this book:
  
  "Optimism does not mean that you feel happy every minute of the day. It doesn't mean that you're always upbeat and in a good mood. You are not even required to keep your fingers crossed so that all your problems will disappear and your glassy-eyed, smiley-faced joy will return. That's not it, and it's a good thing because most of us wouldn't be able to buy in to this rosy-cheeked cheerfulness.
  
  But optimism is doable. It is real and it can be a difference-maker in your life if you stay grounded and realistic. Grounded optimism is about attitude and action and like so many of the other strategies that manage the flow of negative emotion, it helps you feel better. It helps people bounce back from adversity and it is one component of resilience. Doctors, like positive psychology guru Martin Seligman, rank optimism right up there in line next to exercise and good nutrition when it comes to good-health building behaviors."
• 
  Pamela Bray

  I gradually warmed to this book - initially thinking there wasn't anything new here for me but I ended up finding some home truths, ways to move forward, and a feeling I have found a voice that I will return to listen to.
• 
  Molly

  Not particularly illuminating or with a lot that I will carry away (the tone and stories are both kind of generic and not particularly memorable), but I enjoyed it. It is friendly and conversational and is the kind of spirituality conception/book that I like—it is simple and everyday, not grandiose or extravagant,
  a book for real people with real life, wanting to live them open-eyed and open-hearted.
• 
  Amanda

  Beautifully written and thoroughly engaging. Calls you out on your crap and gives you the tools to grow. I really needed this book at this point in my life, and think more people need to lean into the mess and embrace imperfection in the really accessible ways outlined in this book.
• 
  Jana

  Listened to on audiobook, narrated by Meredith Mitchell.
  
  I loved this book. It’s probably not anything new or ultra profound, but I thought it was well written and easy to apply to my own circumstances.
• 
  Eric

  Not for me.
• 
  BookBully

  4.5 stars for this gem from spirituality author Polly Campbell. This is a book for everyone who knows they need to step back every now and then, breathe, and reflect. Campbell offers simple yet effective exercises that will set you back minutes, not hours. Along the way she encourages compassion not only for others but for ourselves. You can dip into this book several pages at a time or race through it as I did. A fantastic book to keep by your bedside or desk and perfect for gift-giving as the holidays approach.
• 
  Kathryn White

  Polly Campbell’s Imperfect Spirituality: Extraordinary Enlightenment for Ordinary People provides a much needed grounding for those on a spiritual path dealing with the daily imperfections in oneself and the world in general.
  Chapter titles include: Feeling Good About Bad Emotions, Relating to the Imperfection in Others, Creating Through Uncertainty, and Finding Meaning in Mistakes.
  
  With each topic, Polly offers...
  
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• 
  Janet

  I truly relate - I have had to pull a pony bead and a googly eye out of my daughters nose when she was little!
• 
  Laura Johansen

  Great book to give you a lift or a swift kick in the butt depending in what you need!! Funny and relatable. Awesome reminders about what is really important. Loved it!!!
• 
  Mark "Lefty" Holencik

  Was okay
• 
  shirley

  Practical techniques to deal with life disappointments, frustrations and mistakes. I love the book.
  
• 
  Lisa

  Recommended by a friend. Am skeptical.