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[194] Jung at Harp #194 Imperfect vs Incomplete
Jung at Harp | Episode 194: Imperfect vs. Incomplete
In this thoughtful episode of Jung at Harp, harpist-composer Deborah Henson-Conant and Jungian psychoanalyst Kathleen Wiley explore what it really means to create something that is imperfect yet complete. Through stories about creativity, music, improvisation, external feedback, and personal growth, they open a conversation about the tension between perfectionism and genuine expression.
Starting with a simple moment of noticing an "imperfect" hair day, the discussion unfolds into deeper reflections on Deborah's newly released holiday fake book, the creative process behind it, and the discomfort of sharing work that will continue to evolve. This episode offers insight into how musicians and creators can embrace incompleteness as part of the journey rather than a flaw.
The conversation invites you to reflect on:
• The difference between something imperfect and something incomplete, and why they are not the same • How musical structure and patterns create a safe foundation for freedom in improvisation • Why creative work feels "never finished," and how embracing process can open new understanding • How external feedback can both affirm and challenge, helping us grow into more authentic expression • The power of simple musical patterns and why musicality isn't dependent on complexity • The emotional courage required to strip away performance personas and play from genuine self-expression • How having a clear process supports completion and helps creators move forward • The importance of connection: how even one person deeply moved by your work can be enough • The ripple effect of creative acts, even when they feel small or unseen
Why listen? If you struggle with perfectionism, hesitate to share your work, or worry about whether what you create is "good enough," this episode offers reassurance and perspective. Imperfect vs. Incomplete shows that creative work is part of an ongoing evolution—and that music, expression, and human connection flourish not because of perfection, but because of authenticity. Through stories from their musical lives, teaching, and personal experiences, Deborah and Kathleen reveal how embracing imperfection can open the door to freedom, learning, and impact—sometimes reaching exactly the one person who needs it most.
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By Deborah Henson-Conant & Kathleen WileyJung at Harp | Episode 194: Imperfect vs. Incomplete
In this thoughtful episode of Jung at Harp, harpist-composer Deborah Henson-Conant and Jungian psychoanalyst Kathleen Wiley explore what it really means to create something that is imperfect yet complete. Through stories about creativity, music, improvisation, external feedback, and personal growth, they open a conversation about the tension between perfectionism and genuine expression.
Starting with a simple moment of noticing an "imperfect" hair day, the discussion unfolds into deeper reflections on Deborah's newly released holiday fake book, the creative process behind it, and the discomfort of sharing work that will continue to evolve. This episode offers insight into how musicians and creators can embrace incompleteness as part of the journey rather than a flaw.
The conversation invites you to reflect on:
• The difference between something imperfect and something incomplete, and why they are not the same • How musical structure and patterns create a safe foundation for freedom in improvisation • Why creative work feels "never finished," and how embracing process can open new understanding • How external feedback can both affirm and challenge, helping us grow into more authentic expression • The power of simple musical patterns and why musicality isn't dependent on complexity • The emotional courage required to strip away performance personas and play from genuine self-expression • How having a clear process supports completion and helps creators move forward • The importance of connection: how even one person deeply moved by your work can be enough • The ripple effect of creative acts, even when they feel small or unseen
Why listen? If you struggle with perfectionism, hesitate to share your work, or worry about whether what you create is "good enough," this episode offers reassurance and perspective. Imperfect vs. Incomplete shows that creative work is part of an ongoing evolution—and that music, expression, and human connection flourish not because of perfection, but because of authenticity. Through stories from their musical lives, teaching, and personal experiences, Deborah and Kathleen reveal how embracing imperfection can open the door to freedom, learning, and impact—sometimes reaching exactly the one person who needs it most.