Practicing Imperfection

To know life is to look at it honestly. Practicing Imperfection is a candid exploration of one person's move from being addicted to praise and perfection to becoming more comfortable in his own skin. Through humor and a healthy dose of sarcasm, Practicing Imperfection shares the journey of Episcopal priest Charles Dupree in developing a consistent, sustainable, meditation practice. Dupree describes how the ancient practice of meditation can bring about a healthier, happier, more awakened existence, and what, for him, has been a healing balm in a busy world and demanding vocation.

Drawing from childhood experiences, a recent sabbatical, and the experiences of serving as a parish priest, Dupree examines some of life's larger questions. As an Episcopal priest, he is clearly religious, but also whole-heartedly spiritual. Uniting those seemingly conflicted qualities,he helps us see that we are all looking for the same thing: freedom from that which no longer serves us.

In our modern world, it is difficult to carve out the space to examine what is going on in our lives and minds; meditation is a way to create that space. This is a book for people who want to be released from the pressures of being better, smarter, or more successful, and those who want to lighten up and be a fuller participant in life.

Charles T. Dupree'sPracticing Imperfectionis a brief and delightful introduction to the practice and value of active meditation, of paying attention to the bountiful gifts held out to each of us in the precious moments we're allotted in life. Written with wit and charm, and in the accessible currency of everyday vernacular, this book is the work of a talented storyteller, thoughtful scholar, and wise priest.""
--Sam Portaro, Priest; Author of Brightest and Best: A Companion to Lesser Feasts and Fasts

""As a minister, husband, father, and human being who struggles to find balance and harmony amid the sea of obligations, stress, and commitments of life, I am so grateful to have Charlie as a guide. His humor, honesty, and vulnerability beautifully complement the wisdom found in this insightful, enjoyable, and accessible book. Charlie takes us on an amazing ride, a holy one, back to the heart of God. It is a ride worth taking.""
--Andrew Kort, Senior Pastor, First Presbyterian Church, Bloomington, IN

""Dupree offers a lovely meditation on meditation, and all the possible permutations of it in the ordinary and everyday, and in the most sacred of spaces. It is a wonderful and thoughtful resource for those in the vocation of ministry, but also for the whole priesthood of all believers. Anyone who desires to follow in the way of Christ with more attentiveness through many practices of prayer should read this book.""
--Mihee Kim-Kort, Presbyterian minister; Author ofMaking Paper Cranes: Towards an Asian American Feminist Theology


The Reverend Charles Dupree is a priest in the Episcopal Church and an accomplished artist and musician. He enjoys speaking about the beauty and mystery of the spiritual life and the gift of living as a creative being. He lives in Bloomington, Indiana.