Hi Hsi,
Anne Lamott has a way of cutting through spiritual bullshit that I've always appreciated. When we spoke, she described spiritual growth not as a self-improvement project, but as a restoration project, like repairing a battered old house that's worth saving.
It's easy to think the goal is to fix ourselves, to finally "get it right." But what Anne reminds us is that we're not here to become perfect versions of ourselves. We're here to become real ones. Reality cannot be perfected. We cannot be perfected. There is no way to get out of the human condition of messiness.
The moment we stop chasing perfection, we make room for what actually matters. Not some polished enlightenment, but the messy human stuff: gentleness when we screw up, humor about our predictable patterns, and maybe a little grace when we need it most.
Below are a few small ways to practice that this week.
Try One of These This Week
- Call It a Restoration Project: When you notice self-criticism arise, imagine you're restoring an old house, not tearing it down. Ask: What's worth saving here?
- Practice Imperfect Action: Do one small thing badly but completely: write a messy paragraph, make an awkward call, cook without a recipe. Completion matters more than polish.
Reflect on This
- What part of me is asking to be restored rather than improved?
- Where am I still chasing "perfect" when "good enough" would bring more peace?
"I see it really as a restoration project, like a battered old house where the systems were ruined. You're rebuilding what was always precious." - Anne Lamott
Want to Go Deeper?
Listen to my conversation with Anne Lamott on How to Embrace Imperfection, where we talk about the slow work of becoming who you already are, and learning that grace, not perfection, is what holds you together.
If you're looking for a practical tool to begin your own restoration project, check out my 4-week email course, Overwhelm is Optional. It teaches simple Still Point practices to help you reset your mind and body in under ten minutes a day - no perfection required!
Learn more and get started today!
Until next time,
Eric
P.S. What's one area of your life that might need a little restoration instead of improvement? Hit reply, I'd love to hear!
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