#430: Elizabeth Gilbert’s Creative Path: Saying No, Trusting Your Intuition, Index Cards, Integrity Checks, Grief, Awe, and Much More

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May 9, 2020

In this engaging chat, Elizabeth Gilbert, the bestselling author of 'Eat, Pray, Love' and 'Big Magic,' shares her journey through creativity, loss, and personal growth. She opens up about the importance of saying no and trusting your intuition amidst societal pressures. Gilbert also reflects on the transformative power of grief and the need for authenticity in one’s life. Her insights on creativity are rich, linking writing to spirituality and the necessity of maintaining curiosity. A fascinating dive into the heart of artistic resilience!

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ANECDOTE

Rhea Elias: The Alpha

Elizabeth Gilbert describes Rhea Elias, her greatest love, as a powerful, resilient woman.
Rhea, a former addict turned artist, taught Gilbert about truth and strength.

INSIGHT

Grief as a Force of Nature

Gilbert learned that grief is not to be mastered, but survived.
She emphasizes letting grief's waves wash over you, including unexpected rage.

ANECDOTE

Laughing at Death

Gilbert recalls a hospice nurse saying, "If you can't laugh at death, get out of show business."
Humor, even gallows humor, is essential for navigating life's difficulties.

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City of Girls

Elizabeth Gilbert

In 'City of Girls', Elizabeth Gilbert tells the story of Vivian Morris, a nineteen-year-old who is sent to Manhattan in 1940 after being kicked out of Vassar College. Vivian lives with her Aunt Peg, the owner of the flamboyant Lily Playhouse theater, where she is introduced to a vibrant world of showgirls, actors, and other charismatic characters. The novel follows Vivian's journey as she navigates her new life, makes personal mistakes that lead to professional scandals, and ultimately discovers the kind of life she craves and the freedom to pursue it. The story is told from the perspective of an older Vivian looking back on her youth with both pleasure and regret, reflecting on themes of human desire, connection, and the idiosyncrasies of true love.

The Art of Memoir

Mary Karr

In 'The Art of Memoir', Mary Karr synthesizes her expertise as a professor, writer, and spiritual seeker to provide a comprehensive guide on the art and mechanics of memoir writing. The book is anchored by excerpts from her favorite memoirs and anecdotes from fellow writers, offering practical advice on truthfulness, voice, and the structure of memoirs. Karr emphasizes the importance of honesty, the democratic nature of memoir writing, and the cathartic power of reflecting on the past. She critiques several influential memoirs, including works by Richard Wright, Vladimir Nabokov, and Maya Angelou, and provides valuable tips for aspiring memoirists on how to stage their stories effectively[2][3][4].

The artist's way

a spiritual path to higher creativity

Ada Arbós Bo

Julia Cameron

This book presents a comprehensive method for artists to recover their creativity from various blocks such as limiting beliefs, fear, self-sabotage, and other inhibiting forces. It is designed to help individuals discover and develop their artistic potential, whether as writers, painters, poets, or musicians. The book emphasizes the connection between creativity and spirituality, providing step-by-step exercises to nurture creative expression as a consistent part of daily life.

Big Magic

Elizabeth Gilbert

In 'Big Magic', Elizabeth Gilbert delves into the mysteries of creativity, encouraging readers to live more creative and fulfilling lives. The book is divided into six parts: Courage, Enchantment, Permission, Persistence, Trust, and Divinity. Gilbert argues that creativity is an essential part of human nature and that it requires courage to accept and overcome fears. She emphasizes the importance of persistence, trust in the creative process, and the need to separate creativity from the pressure of making a living. Through personal anecdotes and insights from other artists, Gilbert demystifies the creative process and inspires readers to pursue their passions with curiosity rather than fear[2][3][5].

The 4-Hour Body

An Uncommon Guide to Rapid Fat-Loss, Incredible Sex, and Becoming Superhuman

Tim Ferriss

In 'The 4-Hour Body,' Tim Ferriss shares the results of over a decade of self-experimentation and research, involving hundreds of elite athletes, dozens of MDs, and thousands of hours of personal testing. The book covers more than 50 topics, including how to lose weight quickly, gain muscle without steroids, sleep less and perform better, and improve sexual health. Ferriss emphasizes the importance of finding the smallest changes that produce the biggest results, making it accessible for readers to achieve significant improvements in their physical health and performance.

Song of Myself

Walt Whitman

In 'Song of Myself', Walt Whitman crafts a poetic masterpiece that celebrates the individual self while embracing the universal. The poem, part of his collection 'Leaves of Grass', is known for its free verse style and its exploration of themes such as identity, nature, and the human condition. It has been influential in American literature and continues to be studied for its innovative form and profound themes.

East Coker

T. S. Eliot

T.S. Eliot's "East Coker" is part of his Four Quartets, a series of poems reflecting on faith, time, and the human condition. This particular poem explores themes of aging, mortality, and the search for meaning in the face of life's uncertainties. Eliot's use of imagery and symbolism creates a powerful and evocative atmosphere, inviting readers to contemplate the passage of time and the complexities of human experience. The poem's exploration of faith and the acceptance of limitations resonates with readers seeking solace and understanding. "East Coker" is a testament to Eliot's mastery of language and his profound engagement with existential questions.

Meditations

Marcus Aurelius

Meditations is a series of private writings composed by Marcus Aurelius, one of Rome's greatest emperors, as he struggled to understand himself and make sense of the universe. Written between 170 and 180 CE while on military campaigns, this work combines Stoic philosophy with personal observations on leadership, duty, mortality, and human nature. Through twelve books of intimate thoughts never intended for publication, Marcus Aurelius explores themes of self-improvement, resilience in the face of adversity, and living virtuously while accepting what cannot be changed.

Eat, Pray, Love

Elizabeth Gilbert

In 'Eat, Pray, Love', Elizabeth Gilbert chronicles her journey as she leaves behind her outwardly successful but inwardly unfulfilling life in the United States. The book is divided into three parts, each set in a different country: Italy, where she seeks pleasure and indulges in the local culture; India, where she delves into spiritual practices and meditation; and Bali, Indonesia, where she aims to find a balance between worldly enjoyment and divine transcendence. The memoir is a personal and introspective account of Gilbert's struggles, growth, and self-discovery during her travels.