Book Review: Eat Pray Love

So, I must be living under a rock because I only recently picked up Elizabeth Gilbert’s brilliant memoir “Eat Pray Love.” The story of Gilbert’s year spent traveling through Italy, India and Indonesia is told with such honesty, humor and insight. Even though Gilbert’s journey followed a severe depression and divorce (things I’ve not experienced in life), I found myself identifying with her many times throughout the book. Gilbert’s words inspire me to be independent, seek my true self and be happy. I especially liked her insight into meditation, and I have used many of her techniques in my own practice already. (Thanks so much for that!)

It wasn’t until I finished the book, that I visited Gilbert’s web site. There, she answers questions about the book and gives an update on her life since returning to the U.S. What I found most intriguing, though, was her Thoughts on Writing. As a big-time writer, Gilbert is undoubtedly asked to give advice to those wishing to turn their story into a masterpiece the likes of Gilbert’s. Her words were so inspiring to me and others, I’m sure. Here, I will share some her insights that touched me most (note: most of these tips are very much linked to spiritual practice…it all comes around in the end!).

I believe that – if you are serious about a life of writing, or indeed about any creative form of expression – that you should take on this work like a holy calling.

“Hey – somebody has to write all those stories: why not me?”

As for discipline – it’s important, but sort of over-rated. The more important virtue for a writer, I believe, is self-forgiveness. Because your writing will always disappoint you. Your laziness will always disappoint you.

You must find another reason to work, other than the desire for success or recognition. It must come from another place.

All these insights can be applied to any kind of work, really. I think that it is most important that you make sure to act with purpose in every thing you do. This is the way to reach happiness and be at peace with your self.

A New Meditation

I’m accustomed to meditation in a seated position or lying down. When I come to this relaxed pose, I focus on my breath and try in earnest to let my thoughts come and go. Recently, I’ve been trying to deepen my meditation practice, and this effort has seemed to have brought me further from my goal–to rest easily within my divine self.

To get myself back on track, I’ve sought many texts and audio guides to help me relax and feel connected to my universe. This morning, I tried a walking meditation for the first time. Using the guidance of Buddhist master Thich Nhat Hanh and one of his principle students, Nguyen Anh-Huong, I walked with peace in every step. The 20 minute guided meditation, read by Ahn-Huong, asked me to not only focus on my breath, but to also sync my breathing with my steps.

The most important thing to remember when practicing a walking meditation is that you have no destination. You are there–here–at home. I walked past just six houses during my 20 minute meditation. I’m sure my neighbors were curious about what I was doing when they saw me walking zombie-like as they got their morning newspaper.

These outside distractions were easy for me to block out. I was totally engaged with my step. Feeling the earth under my feet and feeling nourished by it. I really felt at peace, present and happy.

I encourage anyone who has either come to a stall in their meditation practice or those who have yet to start one to try walking meditation. I found the book, CD and DVD program I used at the library (aka it was FREE)!

I found this article. It is a nice summary of walking meditation.