Live Messy

ROBERT MERLO

Live Messy may seem counterintuitive in a world that often extols the virtues of order and perfection. From our earliest years, we are taught to eschew messiness and to seek tidiness and precision. It is a prescription handed down through generations, an unquestioned societal mantra. Yet, nestled within the folds of this conventional wisdom, there lies a compelling invitation to explore the vivid tapestry of life woven with threads of authenticity, growth, and the beautiful imperfection that is quintessentially human.

To Live Messy is to embark on a journey of self-discovery. It is to revel in the unpredictability that defines existence and to celebrate the essence of being human. This concept represents a courageous act of defiance, a quiet rebellion against the relentless demand for perfection and conformity that often pervades our modern lives. It is an ode to the inherent beauty of our existence, which is as chaotic as ever-evolving.

At its heart, the Live Messy philosophy is intrinsically intertwined with mindfulness practice. Mindfulness is the cornerstone of this art, the gentle guiding hand that leads us through the labyrinth of our lives. It is about being fully present, acknowledging each moment without judgment, and immersing ourselves in the intricate mosaic of existence.

Amid the perpetual rush of our lives, mindfulness allows us to stop and take a breath, slow down, and embrace the messiness that surrounds us. It encourages us to pause, even for a moment, in a world that seems to whirl at an ever-increasing pace. Through mindfulness, we are not just spectators of our lives but active participants, savoring the beauty of messiness as it unfolds.

Mindfulness teaches us to embrace the unpredictability of life, the moments of chaos, and the unforeseen challenges that pepper our days. It is in these moments that we indeed come alive. Here, we realize that life is not meant to be a well orchestrated symphony but a jazz improvisation where each note contributes to the melody, no matter how discordant.

Consider, for a moment, creating a piece of art. The canvas is pristine, and the artist faces the daunting task of bringing it to life. Initially, there is a chaotic profusion of colors, brushstrokes, and emotions. The artist has yet to determine where the journey will lead, but they are fully immersed in it. They do not judge each stroke; they let the canvas speak to them and respond. In the end, a masterpiece emerges from this apparent chaos.

Our lives are much like that canvas, waiting to be painted. The Live Messy philosophy encourages us to be the artists of our lives, embrace the unknown, and trust in the process. Mindfulness is the brush that guides us, allowing us to be fully present in the act of living.

This philosophy is not about recklessness or haphazard living. It is not a surrender to anarchy but an embrace of authenticity. It acknowledges that we do not have control over every facet of our lives and that pursuing such power is a fool’s errand. Living Messy allows us to dance with life’s uncertainties, find beauty in imperfection, and navigate our existence’s winding path gracefully.

Think of the famous Japanese art of Kintsugi, where broken pottery is not discarded but repaired with gold, making it even more beautiful. The cracks and imperfections are not hidden; they are celebrated. Similarly, Living Messy invites us to embrace our own gaps and shortcomings, to see them not as flaws but as unique facets of our being.

Exploring life’s myriad pathways, we find that the Live Messy philosophy enriches our lives profoundly. It opens the door to meaningful connections, allowing us to be vulnerable and authentic. It invites us to take risks, to venture into uncharted territories, and to experience the exhilaration of growth and self-discovery.

Living Messy teaches us to savor the journey in a world obsessed with the final destination. It reminds us that the most profound experiences are often found in the unexpected detours, the unplanned moments, and the messy yet beautiful fragments of our lives.

A graduate of the University of Rochester and the Charles H. Lundquist College of Business at the University of Oregon, Robert Merlo is employed in the Ed Tech Industry. He lives in Rochester, New York with his wife, a 3rd-grade teacher, and their 13-year-old daughter. Find out more about Robert on LinkedIn.