Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat Pray, Love and Big Magic, discusses a wide range of topics with host Pete Holmes, including perspectives on Las Vegas, imperfection, live music events, embracing imperfection in the creative process, self-righteousness and vulnerability, redefining marriage, and lessons about art, love, family, God, and fear.
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Quick takeaways
Observing our own mind like an anthropologist helps gain perspective and prevent unnecessary suffering.
Being kind and compassionate towards ourselves in difficult situations can prevent inflicting unnecessary pain or suffering.
Approaching others with an open mind and assuming they have hidden gems and treasures within them fosters connection and understanding.
Instead of trying to fix or change others, it's better to enjoy and support them as they are.
Letting go of perfectionism and embracing the process of creating brings more joy and fulfillment.
Deep dives
Observing the Monkey Mind
One of the mantras Liz Gilbert follows is to observe her own mind like an anthropologist. She finds it fascinating to witness her own reactions and emotions, realizing that she is a monkey with a supercomputer brain. This detachment helps her gain perspective and prevent unnecessary suffering.
Kindness and Self-Compassion
Another important mantra Liz Gilbert repeats to herself is, "I don't want you to suffer." When she finds herself in difficult situations or experiencing negative emotions, she reminds herself to be kind and compassionate towards herself, acknowledging that she doesn't want to inflict unnecessary pain or suffering upon herself.
Appreciating the Unknown Potential in Others
Liz Gilbert emphasizes the importance of recognizing that everyone has hidden gems and treasures within them, even if they may not show them to the world or be aware of them themselves. She encourages approaching others with an open mind and assuming that there is much more to them than meets the eye.
Keeping Expectations in Check
Liz Gilbert advises against trying to fix or change others, especially friends and family, as they may not be open to receiving advice or insights. Instead, she suggests focusing on enjoying them as they are and acting as a supportive presence in their lives, rather than attempting to mold them into something different.
The Power of Authenticity
Authenticity is a key aspect touched upon in the podcast episode. The speaker discusses how a friend's genuine and enthusiastic attitude towards life inspired them. The friend's authenticity is seen in her reactions to both positive and negative events, such as announcing the arrival of a new dog with great excitement or embracing the diagnosis of cancer as an interesting and fascinating experience. The speaker highlights the importance of staying true to oneself and finding joy and curiosity in life.
Letting Go of Perfectionism
The podcast episode explores the idea of perfectionism and its impact on creativity and life in general. The speaker emphasizes the importance of letting go of the need to be perfect and instead embracing the process and enjoyment of creating. They share their own experience as a 'disciplined half-ass' who values the pleasure of making things over the pursuit of perfection. The speaker encourages listeners to appreciate and love the works they create, rather than constantly criticizing them in search of an unattainable perfection.
Redefining Partnership and Expectations
The podcast episode challenges traditional ideas of marriage and partnership. The speaker suggests that long-lasting partnerships don't necessarily have to fit the conventional expectations of being the perfect match in all aspects of life. Using personal examples, the speaker shares that their fulfilling marriage doesn't rely on having everything in common, but rather appreciating and supporting each other's individual interests and passions. They propose redefining partnership to allow for flexibility, open-mindedness, and the acceptance that relationships may change over time.
The Splendor of Recognition in Hindu Shavism
The podcast explores the concept of the 'Splendor of Recognition' in Hindu Shavism. This ancient mystical idea suggests that God created the world, including humans, as a game to find a hidden piece of God within themselves. The ultimate goal is for individuals to recognize this divine essence within themselves and experience a moment of joyous connection with God. This recognition is described as a peekaboo moment where both God and the individual see and laugh with each other. The game of hide and seek between God and humans continues for eternity.
Dealing with Unanswerable Questions about God and Pain
The podcast also delves into the challenge of grappling with unanswerable questions about God and pain. It discusses the difficulty of understanding why there is pain and suffering in the world, especially when traditional explanations and platitudes fall short. The speaker emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the realness of pain and suffering and offering support and empathy to those experiencing it, rather than providing simplistic answers or trying to minimize their experiences. Additionally, the speaker highlights the significance of taking personal responsibility and asking oneself what actions can be taken to alleviate suffering in the world rather than solely relying on a separate entity like God to solve all problems.
