Listen free for 30 days

Pick 1 audiobook a month from our unmatched collection.
Listen all you want to thousands of included audiobooks, Originals, and podcasts.
Access exclusive sales and deals.
Premium Plus auto-renews for $14.95/mo + applicable taxes after 30 days. Cancel anytime.
Love for Imperfect Things cover art

Love for Imperfect Things

Written by: Haemin Sunim, Deborah Smith - translator
Narrated by: Raymond Lee
Try for $0.00

$14.95 a month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy Now for $17.48

Buy Now for $17.48

Pay using card ending in
By confirming your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions of Use and Amazon's Privacy Notice. Tax where applicable.

Publisher's Summary

"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 best-selling author of Quiet)

A number-one internationally best-selling work of spiritual wisdom about learning to love ourselves, with all our imperfections, by the Buddhist author of 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 inward and ignoring problems, sometimes resulting in anxiety or depression. Others react by working harder at the office, at school, or at home, hoping 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 best-seller The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down, Zen Buddhist monk Haemin Sunim turns his trademark wisdom to the art of self-care, arguing that only by accepting yourself - and the flaws that make you who you are - can you have compassionate and fulfilling relationships with your partner, your family, and your friends. This audio edition of Love for Imperfect Things will appeal to both your mind and your heart and help you learn to love yourself, your life, and everyone in it.

When you care for yourself first, the world begins to find you worthy of care.

©2018 Haemin Sunim (P)2018 Penguin Audio

What the critics say

“Relatable and valuable... Zen Buddhist teacher Sunim looks tantalizingly at essential yet everyday aspects of the human experience in this lively book of reflections.... In addition to stories from Sunim’s own life, the book contains thought-provoking aphorisms.... A breezy book with generally helpful reminders, wise advice, and pithy sayings to soothe the challenges of hectic life.” (Publishers Weekly)

“Wisdom to apply to everyday life... Quick, easy lessons for developing and increasing our practice of empathy toward ourselves and others.” (Library Journal)

“Sunim... writes with an inviting and gentle voice that is akin to a warm embrace.... Although many self-help books preach triumphal purpose-seeking, Sunim astonishes by saying, ‘I don’t think life has something grand in store for me.'... The book is worth repeated readings on a commuter train, at bedtime, or as part of a morning routine.” (Booklist)

What listeners say about Love for Imperfect Things

Average Customer Ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    16
  • 4 Stars
    0
  • 3 Stars
    2
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    2
Performance
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    9
  • 4 Stars
    3
  • 3 Stars
    0
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    0
Story
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    9
  • 4 Stars
    1
  • 3 Stars
    2
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    0

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Very timely advice!

Loved it, was many things I was coming to understand laid out beautifully for me when I needed them most.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!