You Don’t Need to Travel to Find Yourself
Create your own ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ experience from home
Picture this: me, cozy on my bed, a delicious cookie in hand, finally catching up on the iconic ‘Eat Pray Love’ — only about a decade or so after the rest of the world. Yes, I know, fashionably late to the party! But hey, some things are timeless, right?
For those who, like me, might have been living under a rock, ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ isn’t just a catchy phrase — it’s a New York Times bestseller memoir by Elizabeth Gilbert that later found its way to the big screen with none other than Julia Roberts taking on the role of the amazing Elizabeth Gilbert.
The story revolves around Gilbert’s quest for self-discovery, leading her to three diverse and spiritually rich places: Italy, India, and Bali. It’s an inspiring narrative of a woman seeking answers, meaning, and perhaps a little bit of pizza, spirituality, and love in some of the most captivating corners of the world.
And let’s be honest, who hasn’t had those moments of contemplation, questioning the direction of our lives, or craving that perfect slice of pizza that can somehow solve all of our problems? We’ve all been there, right?
Julia Roberts’ captivating journey as Elizabeth Gilbert, however, left me with more than just a newfound appreciation for pizza and gelato. As I sat there, munching my cookie, a particular quote from the movie struck a chord:
“Happiness is the consequence of personal effort. You fight for it, strive for it, insist upon it, and sometimes even travel around the world looking for it.”
— Elizabeth Gilbert
It got me thinking. Not everyone can just drop everything and jet off on a soul-searching escapade around the world. Yet, shouldn’t everyone have the chance to find that inner peace, that ‘happiness’ Gilbert speaks of? Surely, there must be a way to cultivate our own version of an ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ experience, right from the comfort of our homes.
Eat
When it comes to the ‘Eat’ part of the ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ equation, it’s more than just filling your belly. Food is more than just fuel for the body; it can be a source of comfort for the soul. The way we approach food can significantly impact our overall well-being, not just physically but emotionally and spiritually too.
In one of the scenes in the movie, we see Liz Gilbert strolling through an Italian farmers market, carefully handpicking fresh, vibrant produce. Back in her kitchen, she whips up a simple yet soul-satisfying meal. Sitting on the floor, she relishes every mouthful, savoring the flavors, textures, and the sheer joy of a nourishing meal.
Recreating this feeling doesn’t require booking the next flight to Italy. You can have a similar nurturing bond with your food right in your own hometown. Begin by embracing mindful eating — slow down, savor each bite, and truly appreciate the flavors you taste. Visit your local farmers market, take in the vibrant colors and scents, and select ingredients that light you up. Take the time to prepare a lovely meal, not just for sustenance, but as a heartfelt act of self-care and nourishment.
Appreciating the journey of food from the market to your plate can instill a sense of connection and gratitude, allowing you to experience the essence of ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ in your everyday life, one delicious bite at a time.
Pray
It’s important to note that “pray” extends beyond religious beliefs. Praying isn’t solely about adhering to a specific deity; it’s about acknowledging and believing in a force greater than yourself. Embracing this higher power can provide a sense of stability, offering the reassurance that life has intrinsic meaning and purpose.
While Elizabeth Gilbert visited an ashram in India, we do not all have to take such a dramatic leap to connect with a higher power. Connecting with the divine can manifest in various forms — be it through mindfulness practices, introspective journaling, the calming embrace of meditation, immersing oneself in nature’s embrace, or simply through heartfelt prayer.
Mindfulness helps us focus on the present moment, letting us see the world beyond just our daily worries. Journaling gives us a private place to think deeply about ourselves and our feelings. Meditation helps us quiet our minds and feel more connected to ourselves and the world around us. Nature, with all its beauty, makes us feel comforted and part of something bigger than ourselves. And prayer, no matter how we do it, lets us express our hopes, gratitude, and dreams, giving us comfort in tough times and happiness in good times.
Love
While Elizabeth Gilbert stumbled upon romance in Bali, love isn’t solely about finding a partner. While sharing love with others is undoubtedly fulfilling, the journey of self-love might just be, dare I say, even more important.
Practicing self-love comes in many forms, all of which contribute to nurturing a healthy relationship with yourself. It can begin with setting boundaries — recognizing what is and isn’t acceptable for your well-being and asserting these limits. Working on your inner child involves understanding and healing past wounds. Letting go of comparisons allows you to embrace your uniqueness, acknowledging that your path is yours alone and incomparable to others’. Be nice to yourself when things are hard and celebrate your successes. And always be patient with yourself as you learn and grow.
Remember, the love you share with a partner can truly blossom once you’ve cultivated a deep sense of love for yourself. By nurturing a positive relationship with yourself, you not only enrich your own life but also create a strong foundation for any future romantic endeavors.
So, there you have it. Rediscovering yourself isn’t always about embarking on a grand journey around the world. It’s about finding moments of ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ in your everyday life, right from the comfort of your hometown. Nurturing a mindful relationship with food, connecting with a higher power in whatever form it takes, and fostering a deep sense of self-love are the stepping stones toward a fulfilling and meaningful life. Remember, you hold the power to cultivate your own path of self-discovery, one small, heartfelt step at a time, no passport required.
