Love for Imperfect Things: How to Accept Yourself in a World Striving for Perfection

The Sunday Times Top 10 Bestseller

From the author of the phenomenal multi-million copy bestseller The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down

«Hearing the words ‘be good to yourself first, then to others’ was like being struck by lightning.»

Many of us respond to the pressures of life by turning inwards and ignoring problems, sometimes resulting in anxiety or depression. Others react by working harder at work, at school or at home, hoping that this will make ourselves and the people we love happier.

But what if being yourself is enough? Just as we are advised on airplanes to take our own oxygen first before helping others, we must first be at peace with ourselves before we can be at peace with the world around us.

In this beautiful follow-up to his international bestseller The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down, Buddhist monk Haemin Sunim turns his trademark wisdom and kindness to self-care, arguing that only by accepting yourself – and the flaws which make you who you are – can you have compassionate and fulfilling relationships with your partner, family and friends.

«Even products labelled ‘limited edition’ are made on a production line with hundreds that are exactly the same. But there is only one you in the world.»

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«Haemin writes beautifully and simply… these vital life lessons resonate deeply and easily»
Miranda Hart

«The world could surely use a little more love, a little more compassion, and a little more wisdom. In Love for Imperfect Things, Haemin Sunim shows us how to cultivate all three, and to find beauty in the most imperfect of things-including your very own self»
Susan Cain, New York Times bestselling author of Quiet

«Heartwarming, calming and simple. But also filled with wisdom and powerful truths that will teach us to love ourselves first in order to transform our relationships with our loved ones»
Hector Garcia, author of IKIGAI – The Japanese secret to a long and happy life

«A wonderful book to accompany The Things You Can See… page by page, he shows you how to reclaim your freedom and your life»
Professor Mark Williams, author of the bestselling Mindfulness

«A real treasure. It teaches us that compassion is at the heart of healing . . . starting with ourselves. I highly recommend this book»
Christiane Northrup, MD, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom

«You can be the most amazing human being in the world and everyone sees rays of light, love, and genius when they look at you, but if you yourself don’t know it, all of that external admiration doesn’t matter one bit. Haemin Sunim teaches you ways to love yourself first, instead of loving the idea of other people loving you. It makes a world of difference»
Marc and Angel Chernoff, New York Times bestselling authors of Getting Back to Happy