When you love something like reading - or drawing or music or nature - it surrounds you with a sense of connection to something great. If you are lucky enough to know this, then your search for meaning involves whatever that Something is. It's an alchemical blend of affinity and focus that takes us to a place within that feels as close as we ever get to "home." It's like pulling into our own train station after a long trip - joy, relief, a pleasant exhaustion.
Anne Lamott's book, "Stitches: A Handbook on Meaning, Hope, and Repair," explores the deep connections we find in our passions such as reading, art, music, or nature. These pursuits foster a profound sense of belonging and connection to something greater than ourselves. When we engage with what we love, it transforms our search for meaning into a journey filled with purpose and warmth, akin to arriving home after a long journey.
This metaphorical ‘home’ represents a place of comfort and joy, where our passions fuel our sense of self and understanding of the world. The experience mirrors that of returning to a familiar station, bringing with it feelings of relief and fulfillment. Through our interests, we can achieve a unique blend of affinity and focus that leads us to a deeper understanding of who we are and what truly matters.
