#522: Anne Lamott on Taming Your Inner Critic, Finding Grace, and Prayer

128 snips

Jul 14, 2021

Anne Lamott, an acclaimed author known for her candid and humorous exploration of life's complexities, shares profound insights on creativity and healing. She discusses the journey of embracing imperfection and the struggles of addiction and anxiety. Lamott emphasizes the power of connection, the transformative nature of prayer, and the importance of self-acceptance. Through personal anecdotes, she illustrates the role of vulnerability in creative expression and the resilience found in adversity, highlighting that hope and grace are key to personal growth.

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ADVICE

Writing Advice

Focus on writing badly and keep your butt in the chair.
Don't try to write well; just stop not writing.

ANECDOTE

Bird by Bird Story

Anne Lamott's father advised her brother to take a writing project 'bird by bird'.
This meant focusing on small, manageable parts, like writing about one bird species at a time.

INSIGHT

Perfectionism

Perfectionism is the voice of the oppressor, causing lifelong self-criticism.
Embrace imperfection, as even esteemed authors' first drafts are unreadable.

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Operating instructions

a journal of my son's first year

Anne Lamott

Published in 1993, 'Operating Instructions' is a journal that Anne Lamott kept during the first year of her son Sam's life. The book is a candid and often humorous reflection on the challenges and joys of single motherhood. It details Lamott's unplanned pregnancy, the birth of her child, and the numerous responsibilities of parenthood. The book also explores her relationships with her child, friends, and herself, all while maintaining her unique sense of humor and honesty[2][4][5].

Help, Thanks, Wow

Anne Lamott

Bird by Bird

Some Instructions on Writing and Life

Anne Lamott

Susan Bennett

Bird by Bird is a comprehensive guide to writing that covers various aspects of the craft, from the initial stages of starting a project to the technical details of plot, character, and dialogue. Lamott emphasizes the importance of persistence, faith, and hard work in writing. She advocates for writing imperfect first drafts and warns against the pitfalls of perfectionism and self-criticism. The book also delves into the emotional and spiritual aspects of writing, encouraging writers to confront their deepest fears and desires. Lamott's approach is down-to-earth, humorous, and generously filled with personal experiences and practical advice.

Traveling Mercies

Some Thoughts on Faith

Anne Lamott

In 'Traveling Mercies: Some Thoughts on Faith', Anne Lamott recounts her personal and often humorous journey towards faith. The book combines elements of spiritual study and memoir, as Lamott reflects on her troubled past, including her struggles with addiction, single motherhood, and the loss of loved ones. She describes her gradual conversion to faith through her experiences with a small, interracial community church and the support of her friends. The memoir is marked by Lamott's characteristic wit and frankness, as she explores the complexities of faith, grief, and human connection[2][4][5].

Plan B

Further Thoughts on Faith

Anne Lamott

In 'Plan B: Further Thoughts on Faith,' Anne Lamott shares her reflections on faith, family, and the challenges of living in a world marked by terrorism, war, and environmental devastation. The book, published in 2005, is a follow-up to her earlier spiritual work, 'Traveling Mercies.' Lamott navigates her own struggles with aging, her mother's Alzheimer's, her son's adolescence, and her own faith, all while maintaining her trademark humor and irreverence. The book offers a mix of comfort, laughter, and profound insights into coping with life's grim realities.

Shapes of Truth

Discover God Inside You

Neal Allen

In 'Shapes of Truth: Discover God Inside You', Neal Allen presents a method for spiritual exploration rooted in Platonic philosophy and Sufi metaphysics. The book introduces thirty-five divine body-forms that represent aspects of God, offering a practical way to connect with one's inner self and find relief from suffering. Allen provides step-by-step instructions for encountering these body-forms, which can help individuals explore their perfect nature.

The paleo solution

The Original Human Diet

Robb Wolf

In 'The Paleo Solution,' Robb Wolf combines cutting-edge research from genetics, biochemistry, and anthropology to advocate for a return to the ancestral diet. The book proposes that modern humans should eat in a way that mimics the dietary habits of our Paleolithic ancestors, focusing on whole, unprocessed foods such as meat, fish, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds, while avoiding grains, legumes, dairy products, and refined sugars. Wolf provides practical advice, meal plans, and real-life success stories to help readers transition to a Paleo lifestyle, which can lead to significant health improvements including better blood sugar control, lower cholesterol levels, reduced inflammation, and improved weight management.

Rosie

Anne Lamott

Wired to eat

Robb Wolf

In 'Wired to Eat', Robb Wolf explains how our genetics are working against us in the modern world of highly palatable foods. The book delves into the science behind appetite regulation, the impact of sleep, stress, and community on health, and introduces the concept of personalized nutrition. It includes a 30-Day Reset program to normalize appetite regulation and a 7-Day Carb Test to determine individual carbohydrate tolerance. The book also discusses ketogenic diets and intermittent fasting as potential tools for health improvement. Wolf emphasizes that each person's metabolism and nutritional needs are distinct, advocating for a personalized approach to dieting rather than one-size-fits-all solutions.

Grace (Eventually)

thoughts on faith

Anne Lamott

In *Grace (Eventually): Thoughts on Faith*, Anne Lamott delivers a personal exploration of faith and the human condition. The book is a series of essays where Lamott examines the complexities of life, including love, mothering, work, and politics, while navigating her own journey to faith. She writes about her struggles and experiences with humor and honesty, seeking both divinity and humanity in herself and those around her. The essays cover a range of topics, from dealing with an obstinate carpet salesman to helping a friend die with dignity, all while reflecting on the essence of her faith found in unexpected places[1][3][4].

Blue shoe

Anne Lamott

Blue Shoe follows Mattie Ryder, a recently divorced mother of two, as she navigates her complicated life, including her family's past secrets and her own personal struggles. The discovery of a small blue rubber shoe left by her deceased father becomes a catalyst for Mattie's journey towards understanding her family and herself. The novel explores themes of family, love, and self-discovery with Anne Lamott's signature humor and wit.

Imperfect Birds

Anne Lamott

Dusk, Night, Dawn

Anne Lamott

In 'Dusk, Night, Dawn', Anne Lamott explores how to navigate life's difficult times by embracing our humanity and finding moments of joy amidst chaos. Drawing from personal experiences, she offers insights on love, recovery, and the importance of community and connection. The book is a heartfelt guide to restoring hope and joy in our lives.