“We begin to find and become ourselves when we notice how we are already found, already truly entirely wildly, messily marvelously, who we were born to be.”
– *Anne Lamott’s “Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life.”
Anne Lamott’s quote holds deep significance for me on my spiritual journey, offering a profound perspective on the journey of self-discovery and authenticity.
In the realm of spirituality, there’s often an emphasis on seeking enlightenment, transcending the self, or achieving some higher state of being. However, Lamott’s words remind us that true spiritual growth begins not by striving to become someone else, but by embracing who we already are.
As spiritual seekers, we may sometimes fall into the trap of believing that we need to attain a certain level of perfection or enlightenment to be worthy or complete. We might chase after external validation or constantly compare ourselves to some idealized version of spirituality. But in doing so, we overlook the simple truth that our essence, our true nature, is already whole and complete.
Lamott’s quote encourages us to shift our focus inward, to recognize and honor the wild, messy, marvelous beings that we are. It’s an invitation to embrace our imperfections, quirks, and vulnerabilities as integral parts of our spiritual journey, rather than obstacles to be overcome.
In the context of our spiritual journey, noticing how we are already found means acknowledging the inherent wisdom, compassion, and divinity that resides within us. It’s about awakening to the realization that we are not separate from the divine or from the universe—we are expressions of it, unique manifestations of the cosmic dance.
By accepting ourselves exactly as we are, flaws and all, we open ourselves up to deeper levels of self-awareness, self-compassion, and self-love. We become more attuned to the whispers of our heart, more aligned with our true purpose, and more connected to the sacredness of all life.
In essence, Lamott’s quote reminds me that the path to enlightenment is not a journey of becoming someone else, but of rediscovering and embodying the truth of who we already are: wildly, messily, marvelously ourselves.
Go forth as Love, and with complete abandon, Love your wild, messy, marvelous self!
If you have missed any of the sessions so far during Mindful March 2024, please visit us here. You will find a recording of our introduction on Day 1 and a recap of the inspirations shared so far.
This event space is sponsored by Feast for the Soul, to learn more about the Feast click here.
If you would like to work together to deepen your spiritual practice or align with inner peace & well-being, please reach out here. I would love to support your journey.
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*Who is Anne Lamont?
Anne Lamott is an American author known for her works of fiction and non-fiction, particularly on the topics of spirituality, writing, and personal reflections.
Some of her notable books include “Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life,” “Operating Instructions: A Journal of My Son’s First Year,” and “Traveling Mercies: Some Thoughts on Faith.” She is praised for her candid and humorous writing style, often exploring themes of grace, forgiveness, and the human experience.