Maria Bello Shares Profound Anais Nin Quote During Lamu Retreat
The actress finds deeper meaning in passion as a lifestyle while embracing Kenya's coastal paradise
Poulami is an associate editor. She did her MA in English from Miranda House, University of Delhi and has qualified UGC-NET. She also holds a PG diploma in Editing and Publishing from Jadavpur University. Her journey as a content writer began in 2017 and since then, Poulami has garnered diverse interests along the way.
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Actress Maria Bello has taken to Instagram to share a moment of philosophical reflection during what appears to be a rejuvenating retreat in Lamu, Kenya. The ‘Coyote Ugly’ star posted a striking seaside image accompanied by a profound quote from renowned diarist and essayist Anais Nin about the deeper meaning of passion in life.
In the Instagram post, Bello shared: “‘What everyone forgets is that passion is not merely a heightened sensual fusion but a way of life which produces, as in the mystics, an ecstatic awareness of the whole of life’ – Anais Nin #lamu”
The image shows what appears to be a serene coastal scene, capturing the tranquil beauty of Lamu, a small island off Kenya’s northern coast known for its preserved Swahili culture and stunning landscapes.
A Journey Of Self-discovery
This contemplative post comes as part of what seems to be an extended stay in Kenya for Bello, who has been documenting her African journey through a series of thoughtful posts. Just days earlier, she shared insights about the meaning of safari, noting that in Swahili, the word translates to “journey” rather than simply being about wildlife sightings.
“A safari in Swahili translates to ‘journey’,” Bello wrote in a previous post. “It’s not necessarily about seeing lions and giraffes though when that happens it’s magical. A safari can be a roadtrip to a friend’s country house in a land rover stuffed with goodies to make an evening meal. (and tequila).”
The actress, known for roles in films like ‘The Cooler,’ ‘A History of Violence,’ and TV’s ‘NCIS,’ has been embracing a deeply reflective period during her time in Africa. Her posts reveal a woman on both an external and internal journey, something she explicitly acknowledged: “And as I walk in real time on my safari I also journey inside – to the places in myself I’ve yet to discover.”
Finding Passion Beyond The Physical
The Anais Nin quote Bello chose to share speaks volumes about her current mindset. The passage suggests that true passion extends far beyond romantic or physical connections, instead manifesting as a comprehensive approach to experiencing life itself.
This perspective aligns with Bello’s recent social media activity, where she’s been documenting meaningful connections with friends across continents. In early May, she posted, “I travelled to 7 cities and 2 countries in 2 months on a love tour to see my friends,” highlighting the importance of friendship and laughter in her life.
Embracing Midlife As Transformation
Bello, 57, has been openly discussing the concept of midlife as a period of transformation rather than crisis. She recently appeared on the podcast “Midlife Mystery,” where she explored the beauty of embracing midlife transitions with authenticity.
According to the podcast host, Bello did “a deep dive into the beauty of embracing the midlife mystery” and discussed “the transformative power of radical self-acceptance, the profound impact of energy exchange in our lives, and the invaluable role of mentorship in aging with wisdom.”
This theme of transformation and embracing life’s journey has been consistent in Bello’s recent communications. Another post from her Kenyan stay showed her embracing “safari as a way of life,” suggesting she’s adopted a philosophy of constant exploration and presence.
A Multi-faceted Career And Life
Born in Norristown, Pennsylvania, Maria Bello has built a diverse career spanning three decades. After breakthrough roles in films like ‘Coyote Ugly’ (which recently celebrated its 25th anniversary with a reunion benefiting LA fire victims), she has continued to evolve as an actress, author, and activist.
In 2015, she published her memoir “Whatever…Love Is Love: Questioning the Labels We Give Ourselves,” where she explored her own journey of self-discovery and sexual fluidity. Her work has consistently demonstrated her commitment to authenticity and challenging conventional boundaries.
Her recent travels in Kenya, including time spent at the camp of designer Carolyn Roumeguere and with friends like Lucy Gakii Chodota, appear to be nurturing this same spirit of exploration and authenticity.
As Bello continues her physical and spiritual journey in the beautiful setting of Lamu, her sharing of Anais Nin’s wisdom serves as a reminder that passion, properly understood, isn’t just about momentary intensity but about a sustained approach to experiencing the fullness of life with awareness and appreciation.
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