Being Imperfect

A timely Zen guide for those seeking emotional stability, self-compassion, and inner peace in an anxious and perfection-driven world

A new book in the Zen Ways series from the hosts of the popular The Way Out Is In podcast

In an age marked by climate anxiety, social fragmentation, and unrelenting pressure to perform, Calm in the Storm is a much-needed anchor. This deeply compassionate guide invites readers to cultivate inner stability in a world that often feels on the brink. Rather than offering quick fixes or bypassing pain, Zen teacher Brother Phap Huu and spiritual mentor Jo Confino draw on timeless teachings to help readers meet the chaos of modern life with grounded presence and resilience.

Through intimate stories, mindfulness practices, and heartfelt reflections, the authors gently guide us back to ourselves--back to a place where we can breathe, feel, and respond with clarity rather than react with fear. Whether facing personal overwhelm or collective grief, Calm in the Storm offers a path toward rooted compassion and meaningful engagement.

Readers will learn to:
- Cultivate emotional balance, belonging, and self-compassion
- Navigate perfectionism, self-judgment, and burnout with mindfulness
- Connect with the wisdom of their ancestors and inner child
- Integrate Zen teachings into everyday moments and social change
- Find their center in a time of polycrisis, climate fear, and global uncertainty

Grounded in wisdom yet deeply relatable, this book is not just a guide--it’s an invitation to step fully into your own humanity. If you’re ready to break free and live with greater ease, this is your roadmap.

Brother Pháp Hũu (Dharma Friend) first encountered Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh and the Plum Village community as a nine-year-old child when his father, a former refugee from the war in Vietnam, took his family from Canada to visit Plum Village France in 1996. From the age of twelve, Brother Phap Huu knew that he wished to become a monk. After much persistence on his part, his family allowed him to realize this wish when he turned thirteen. Brother Pháp Hữu was ordained as a novice monk in 2002 and received full ordination on December 18, 2006 and the Lamp Transmission as a Dharma Teacher in 2009. He has been the abbot of Plum Village Upper Hamlet since January 2011.

Executive coach, facilitator, journalist, and sustainability expert Jo Confino has partnered with the UN Development Program on a consciousness and systems change initiative, and sits on the boards of various climate organizations. Jo held senior editorial positions at the HuffPost in New York and The Guardian in London, where he oversaw its sustainable business website. A mindfulness advocate, Jo has worked closely with Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh and his monastic community in France since 2009. Jo gained his MSc in Responsibility and Business Practice at the University of Bath.