The Aging Project Spiritual Health and Creating BIG MAGIC with Elizabeth Gilbert
Spirituality vs. Religion
- Spiritual health is distinct from religion; it's about connecting with something larger than oneself.
- Without a spiritual life, we risk becoming mere "meat puppets" driven by endless to-do lists.
Life's Unexpected Turns
- Crisis and upheaval are inevitable parts of life; no one escapes them.
- By 45, everyone's memoir could be titled "Not Exactly What I Had Planned."
Jim McLaren's Story
- Elizabeth Gilbert shares a story about Jim McLaren, an athlete who faced multiple tragedies.
- McLaren's insight: "Pain without catharsis is just wasted suffering."
In this special episode, we sit down with the extraordinary Elizabeth Gilbert—bestselling author of Eat Pray Love and Big Magic—to explore the intersection of spiritual health, creativity, and aging well. With her trademark wisdom and warmth, Elizabeth shares insights on embracing your own spiritual journey, navigating fear, and reigniting creativity as we age. Together, we unpack the profound connection between spiritual well-being and vibrant aging, and how to uncover the treasures hidden within us.
Elizabeth reminds us of the power of curiosity, the importance of spiritual health, and the courage it takes to live authentically. From practical tips on manifestation to reflections on the lessons of suffering, this conversation is a heartfelt invitation to create your own Big Magic at any stage of life.
Key Topics Covered:
- Spiritual Health and Aging Well: Why nurturing your spiritual self is foundational to living vibrantly.
- The Hero’s Journey: Recognising when it’s time to embark on your personal journey of self-discovery and spiritual health.
- Big Magic and Creativity: How to reignite your creative spark and pursue what lights you up.
- Overcoming Fear: Practical ways to work with fear rather than letting it hold you back.
- Manifestation and Visioning: Elizabeth’s process for creating a life that feels aligned and alive.
- Breaking Free from Societal Norms: Escaping societal expectations to follow your unique path.
- Elizabeth’s Inspirations: The spiritual guides and practices that have shaped her journey.
Takeaways from the Episode:
- Look for your own “breadcrumbs” and follow your curiosities.
- It’s okay to say, “This isn’t working for me.”
- Asking life’s deeper questions is normal—and necessary.
- Suffering can be a powerful teacher, offering lessons we wouldn’t otherwise encounter.
- Creativity and spiritual health are essential for a vibrant, fulfilling life.
Resources and Links:
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Connect with Elizabeth Gilbert:
Website: www.elizabethgilbert.com
Instagram: @elizabeth_gilbert_writer
Substack: Letters from Love
Tour Info: Tickets and Dates -
Connect with The Aging Project:
Instagram: @theagingproject
Host Shelley Craft: @shelleycraftofficial
Join the Conversation:
Let us know how today’s episode inspired you! What breadcrumbs will you follow this year? Share your thoughts and tag us on Instagram.
Thank You for Listening!
We’re grateful to have you on this journey with us. Here’s to a new year filled with courage, creativity, and Big Magic. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review!
This episode is for anyone seeking to reclaim their vibrancy, reconnect with their spiritual health, and create a life filled with courage and creativity. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation with the one and only Elizabeth Gilbert!
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Make DNA Screening for Cancer and Heart Disease Risk Available in Australia, Asks Shelley Craft
Shelley Craft and Amanda Attwood, from The Aging Project Podcast need your support.
We're calling on Mark Butler, Minister for Health and Aged Care, to champion and approve funding for the next stage of the DNA Screen Project at Monash University, to move towards population-wide DNA screening for adult disease prevention.
This trial initiative is providing life-saving genetic testing for hereditary cancers and heart disease, preventing tragedies before they happen and dramatically reducing the financial burden on Australia’s healthcare system.
Led by Professor Paul Lacaze and Dr Jane Tiller, the DNA Screen Project has already demonstrated the life-changing potential in a trial of 10,000 people aged 18 to 40 years at risk of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, Lynch syndrome, and familial hypercholesterolemia.
Genetic variations affect 1 in 75 people, and with genetic testing now available, there is no reason why it should be restricted. Despite the clear benefits, publicly funded testing is currently available only to those who meet restrictive criteria.
Every Australian, of any age, deserves the right to know if they fall within the 2% of the population at high risk, so they can take preventive action to protect their health. We want a population-wide, criteria-free screening program. A national initiative like this would put Australia at the forefront of preventive healthcare, ensuring that every Australian knows their genetic risks and can take steps to protect their future health.
Here’s why this matters:
- The DNA screening test can cost as little as $200-$400 per person—an affordable price for a program that has the potential to save lives and reduce long-term healthcare costs.
- The cost of cancer care alone to the Australian healthcare system is over $6 BILLION annually
- By identifying genetic risks early, we can reduce the number of people needing expensive treatments later, saving taxpayer dollars while preventing disease.
The 10,000-person pilot completed study at Monash University has laid the groundwork for a scalable, nationwide DNA screening program. But to move forward, the project needs government funding to expand beyond the initial trial group and make this life-saving test available to every Australian who wants it, regardless of age or background.
By signing this petition, you are joining a community voice advocating for a future where genetic screening for high risk genetic variations is accessible to everyone, and where preventive healthcare can truly save lives.
We ask Mark Butler and the Australian Government to support funding for the next phase of the DNA Screen Project and allow this innovative program to become a nationwide, population-based screening initiative.
Join us in calling for change. Let’s ensure that every Australian, at every age, has the chance to know their significant genetic risks and take proactive steps to safeguard their health and the health of their families.
The future of genetic testing is HERE - now we just need access to it.
Sign now and make your voice heard—because access to life-saving genetic screening should be a right, not a privilege.
Help us get 10,000 signatures.
Join our movement to live healthier for longer.
Shelley Craft and Amanda Attwood
The Aging Project and You Must Try It , Co-Founders