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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Eat, Pray, Love summary
Elizabeth Gilbert
One Woman's Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia
20 mins
Brief summary
Eat, Pray, Love is a memoir by Elizabeth Gilbert that takes readers on a journey of self-discovery. From Italy to India to Indonesia, Gilbert shares her experiences and the lessons she learns along the way.
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Eat, Pray, Love
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From rock bottom to new beginnings.
Elizabeth Gilbert had it all – a successful career as a writer, a beautiful new home in suburban New York, and a husband she adored. It was the picture-perfect life she had always dreamed of. But as she approached her early 30s, something felt deeply wrong. The natural instinct to settle down and start a family that she assumed would kick in . . . never did.
Instead, she found herself more excited about writing a story on a giant squid in New Zealand for her magazine job than the prospect of parenthood. Whenever she tried to envision having a baby, she just couldn't see it. Her marriage to her husband was slowly disintegrating as the disconnect between them grew wider. One night, wracked with sobs over her failing marriage, Gilbert ended up crumpled on her bathroom floor. In that rock-bottom moment, she did something highly uncharacteristic – she started fervently praying to an entity she suspected might be God.
For the next seven months, Gilbert continued having earnest conversations with the non-denominational, spiritual presence she thought of simply as God. She didn't belong to any particular faith, but felt drawn to connect with a higher power during this immensely difficult time in her life. Finally, after that period of soul-searching and reflection, she made the agonizing decision to divorce her husband, the man she once thought was her soulmate.
But what would she do next? Unmoored from the life she had planned, she moved in with her rebound fling, David. Yet that all-consuming but unstable relationship, coupled with her increasingly bitter and acrimonious divorce proceedings, only left Gilbert more lost. She was confused and flailing.
However, in the tumult, seeds of possibility began sprouting in Gilbert's life. First, she fulfilled a long-held dream of learning Italian by taking classes. Studying the language opened her eyes to a whole new culture and way of life. Second, she found an Indian guru and immersed herself in the spiritual practice of yoga, which quieted her mind and helped her find moments of peace. Third, an Indonesian medicine man and energy healer whom she’d profiled for a magazine assignment invited her to come live and study with him in Bali.
From these experiences trying to find her center again, a vision slowly took shape for the next phase of Gilbert's journey. She would go on an extended travel adventure of self-discovery and healing, traveling first to Italy to absorb the language more deeply through studying the Italianate culture and way of life. Then she would go to India to dive deeper into the spiritual dimension through devoting herself to the yogic tradition at its source. Finally, she would end up in Bali to live and study with the medicine man, absorbing the healing modalities and philosophies of that part of the world. With this revitalizing global quest ahead of her, there was a tiny flicker of hope inside Gilbert. Maybe she would find her way back to wholeness.
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What is Eat, Pray, Love about?
Eat, Pray, Love (2006) is the story of a year-long journey around the world in pursuit of pleasure in Italy, spiritual devotion in India, and finally a balance of the two in Indonesia. With refreshing candor and humor, this bestselling memoir charts a courageous path of self-discovery.
Eat, Pray, Love Review
Eat, Pray, Love (2006) by Elizabeth Gilbert is a memoir that takes readers on a transformative journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- It offers a genuine exploration of spirituality, love, and happiness as the author travels to Italy, India, and Indonesia in search of meaning and balance.
- Through relatable anecdotes and introspective reflections, Gilbert invites readers to reflect on their own lives and choices, making it a book that resonates with many.
- The book's engaging narrative and Gilbert's honest and insightful writing style keep readers captivated, ensuring that it is anything but boring.
Who should read Eat, Pray, Love?
- Foodies after an indulgent tale of finding pleasure in eating
- Yogis ready to be inspired by a story of commitment to prayer and meditation
- Romantics who swoon at stories of love after loss
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Eat, Pray, Love FAQs
What is the main message of Eat, Pray, Love?
The main message of Eat, Pray, Love is the transformative power of self-discovery and the pursuit of personal fulfillment.
How long does it take to read Eat, Pray, Love?
The reading time for Eat, Pray, Love varies depending on the reader's speed. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just a few minutes.
Is Eat, Pray, Love a good book? Is it worth reading?
Eat, Pray, Love is a captivating read that offers insights into the journey of self-reflection and finding balance in one's life.
Who is the author of Eat, Pray, Love?
The author of Eat, Pray, Love is Elizabeth Gilbert.
What to read after Eat, Pray, Love?
If you're wondering what to read next after Eat, Pray, Love, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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- Mentorship Unlocked by Janice Omadeke
- The Storyteller by Dave Grohl
- The Bogleheads' Guide to Investing by Mel Lindauer
- Manifest by Roxie Nafousi
- Phaedo by Plato
- Speed Reading by Kam Knight
- Make Your Mark by Jocelyn K. Glei
- Co-Intelligence by Ethan Mollick