2008 Woodie Awards
Eating, praying, and loving to a better life
Brynna Geisler-Locke
Issue date: 4/29/08 Section: Arts and Entertainment
Imagine a year-long adventure through some of the most beautiful countries on Earth, not worrying about where you'll stay, who you'll meet, or what you'll really even spend your time doing.
You will lie on tropical beaches, meet cute Italian twins, and reach transcendence. Sounds exciting, doesn't it?
Many have fantasized about escaping on an international timeout such as this, but not all will muster themselves to do it. Fortunately for these domestic dwellers, we can live vicariously through Elizabeth Gilbert's memoir "Eat, Pray, Love."
Through the novel, Gilbert explores, "What is it about the American obsession with productivity and responsibility that makes it so difficult for us to allow ourselves a little time to solve the puzzle of our own lives, before it's too late."
In the truest sense, Gilbert all; a husband who loved her, a Manhattan apartment, a weekend home in the country, and nice cars. However, she wasn't happy, and decided to travel for a year to find herself, God, to find everything.
A large order to fill indeed.
Gilbert decided on Italy, a country known for indulging in its pleasures. Here is where she rediscovered what makes her happy. She learned how to sleep in late without feeling guilty, and to set out for the day with no idea of where she wanted to go. From Italy, Gilbert developed a sense of what her priorities should be rather than what she was obligated to complete.
Next she traveled to India staying in an Ashram to try to understand God and faith. The biggest battles she fought were the ones against her own mind, which is something many readers will be able to relate to. She describes extensive inner monologues with herself, learning to quiet her mind and finding her spiritual core.
This part of the book might be dry for readers due to difficult nature of spirituality, but Gilbert writes so candidly and clearly that it fairly is easy to follow her on her journey.
What is so remarkable about her spiritual journey is the camaraderie which she develops with God. She speaks to him as a little kid speaks to their mother; respectfully, seeking help, but certainly not afraid. She is as comfortable talking to Him (a pronoun which she addresses in the book's introduction) as she is any other good friend.
You will lie on tropical beaches, meet cute Italian twins, and reach transcendence. Sounds exciting, doesn't it?
Many have fantasized about escaping on an international timeout such as this, but not all will muster themselves to do it. Fortunately for these domestic dwellers, we can live vicariously through Elizabeth Gilbert's memoir "Eat, Pray, Love."
Through the novel, Gilbert explores, "What is it about the American obsession with productivity and responsibility that makes it so difficult for us to allow ourselves a little time to solve the puzzle of our own lives, before it's too late."
In the truest sense, Gilbert all; a husband who loved her, a Manhattan apartment, a weekend home in the country, and nice cars. However, she wasn't happy, and decided to travel for a year to find herself, God, to find everything.
A large order to fill indeed.
Gilbert decided on Italy, a country known for indulging in its pleasures. Here is where she rediscovered what makes her happy. She learned how to sleep in late without feeling guilty, and to set out for the day with no idea of where she wanted to go. From Italy, Gilbert developed a sense of what her priorities should be rather than what she was obligated to complete.
Next she traveled to India staying in an Ashram to try to understand God and faith. The biggest battles she fought were the ones against her own mind, which is something many readers will be able to relate to. She describes extensive inner monologues with herself, learning to quiet her mind and finding her spiritual core.
This part of the book might be dry for readers due to difficult nature of spirituality, but Gilbert writes so candidly and clearly that it fairly is easy to follow her on her journey.
What is so remarkable about her spiritual journey is the camaraderie which she develops with God. She speaks to him as a little kid speaks to their mother; respectfully, seeking help, but certainly not afraid. She is as comfortable talking to Him (a pronoun which she addresses in the book's introduction) as she is any other good friend.
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