Embracing the Journey of Unbecoming

In her poignant words, Glennon Doyle invites us to "become unbecoming" and to "shed what is not you." This call to action resonates deeply in a world often filled with expectations and identities imposed upon us by society, family, and even ourselves. The stakes are high; in a culture that frequently prioritizes conformity over authenticity, the journey toward self-discovery and liberation becomes not just a personal endeavor but a collective necessity. To shed what is not truly ours is to reclaim our essence, to step into a life that reflects our deepest truths.

As we delve into this profound invitation, we recognize that the process of unbecoming is not merely about loss but about transformation. It is an act of courage to confront the layers of conditioning that have accumulated over time, often obscuring our true selves. This shedding is akin to a snake molting its skin, a necessary and natural process that allows for growth and renewal. In this light, Doyle's words become a clarion call to embark on a journey of introspection and authenticity, urging us to explore what it means to truly be ourselves in a world that often demands otherwise.

The image / the metaphor

The imagery in Doyle's quote is rich and evocative, suggesting a dynamic interplay between becoming and unbecoming. The verbs "become" and "shed" evoke a sense of movement and transformation, inviting us to visualize the act of peeling away layers that no longer serve us. The word "unbecoming" itself is particularly striking; it implies a shedding of identities that have been imposed upon us, a release of the burdens we carry that do not align with our true nature. This process is not merely about discarding but about revealing the essence that lies beneath the surface.

Diving deeper into the metaphor, we can see that the act of unbecoming is akin to a sculptor chiseling away at a block of marble to reveal the statue within. Each strike of the chisel represents a choice to let go of what is extraneous, what is not part of the core self. This metaphor speaks to the inherent struggle of the human experience; it acknowledges that the journey toward authenticity is often fraught with discomfort and resistance. Yet, it is precisely through this discomfort that we find the strength to emerge as our truest selves, unencumbered by the expectations of others.

In the speaker's tradition

Glennon Doyle's insights resonate deeply within the modern spirituality movement, which emphasizes personal growth, authenticity, and the exploration of one's true nature. Concepts such as dharma, or one's true path, and kenosis, the act of self-emptying, echo the themes present in her call to shed what is not us. In this context, the journey of unbecoming can be seen as a path toward realizing one's dharma, aligning with the essence of who we are meant to be in this life.

Moreover, Doyle's message finds parallels in the teachings of various spiritual traditions that advocate for self-discovery and liberation. For instance, in the Buddhist concept of sunyata, or emptiness, there is an understanding that clinging to false identities leads to suffering. By shedding these identities, we can experience a profound sense of freedom and clarity. In her book "Untamed," Doyle encapsulates this journey, encouraging readers to embrace their authentic selves and to recognize the beauty in the process of unbecoming.

Living the teaching

Consider a modern scenario where this teaching can be applied: imagine a professional who has spent years climbing the corporate ladder, only to realize that the role they occupy feels misaligned with their true passions. The pressure to conform to societal expectations can be overwhelming, yet the act of unbecoming invites this individual to reflect on their values and desires. By shedding the identity of a corporate employee, they may discover a calling in the arts or social activism, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and authentic life.