21 Simplified Life Lessons After Eat, Pray, Love

In the book (and movie) Eat Pray Love, author Elizabeth Gilbert leaves her everyday life to go find herself in the cultures of others.

While it was published in 2006, I actually just recently read the book and watched the movie, and it left me with some questions:

• How did she afford to travel, and how was she making money that whole time?

• Why did she think she had to leave everything behind to find happiness?

I went to Google for my answers. I learned she funded the trip with a $200,000 book deal she received to write a future book. All of which is amazing!

I practice abundant life through happiness and manifestation, so I celebrate those that do.

And at the same time, I’ve run into so many articles and comments from people that feel they need to do the Eat Play Love version or else they won’t be able to find themselves fully.

I also know that:

• Most people don’t have an extra $200k to go and find themselves.

• You do not need to travel to numerous countries to find yourself or to find happiness.

While Elizabeth Gilbert chose to travel as a way of self-discovery, it still wasn’t more accessible for her to find herself than had she stayed home.

I recall a scene from Eat Pray Love where it was tough for her to sit in silence long enough to be present.

She was in India, or maybe it was Bali, but neither country helped her learn how to be present.

Could one find happiness and discover themselves? And on top of that, how can you eat love pray without money to travel around the world?

Because while I adore traveling, I absolutely know that it’s not accessible for everyone and even more so, that one does not need to travel to gain inner wisdom and self-discovery.

Plus, the answer per the happiness research is yes. You can find happiness and rediscovery of who you are all while not running away from your life and without needing $200k.

 

21 Life Lessons After Reading Eat Pray Love

After reading and watching Eat Pray Love, I connected happiness research to more real life, practical ways of achieving self-discovery and happiness.

These life lessons can be applied to your life and are based on research, practical, doable by anyone, and do not require you to leave your life behind or to have $200k.

1. Start Your Day with Mindful Reflection

Start your journey toward more inner happiness by dedicating daily to meditative reflection. Your inner wisdom sits in the silence.

Every day, even just 10 minutes, can make a huge difference.

Rest calmly with your eyes closed and your attention on your breathing. When your thoughts wander, bring them back to your breathing slowly and gently. This easy technique can help you become more peaceful and present in your daily life.

 

2. Journal Daily

Keeping a journal is one effective method of developing sustainable happiness and mindfulness.

Writing out your innermost feelings and ideas is a beautiful way to know yourself better.

You’ll be able to reflect, gain clarity, and learn yourself as you begin to recognize habits and gain an understanding of your own mind and actions as time progresses.

 

3. Keep Learning

Enroll in a course on general well-being that focuses on mindfulness, offered for free online, such as the Becoming Happier and Calmer course.

One study published in the Oxford Review of Education showed that new learning increases your brain’s neuron connections, which improves your mental health.

Enhancing your mental health also increases your emotional wellness, allowing you the space to rediscover yourself and gain inner happiness.

 

4. Practice Mindful Movement

Integrating mindfulness into your physical exercises can also be a powerful mindfulness practice if you let it.

Keep your attention on your breath and body when you exercise, whether jogging, lifting weights, or doing yoga.

You might find it helpful to read the popular article on the connection of spirituality and lifting weights.

 

5. Explore Hobbies

Whether painting, gardening, or playing an instrument, hobbies provide a chance for exploring and reconnecting with yourself.

The creative process often can reveal your inner self and can bring out a playful side of you that is truly in the now.

The more present you are with yourself through the different hobbies you explore, the more you’ll learn who you are and rediscover your magic.

 

6. Get Lost in a Good Book

Reading (or audio) books can be a great way to expand your mind and learn new things about yourself.

Choose various books that will motivate you and teach you to be present.

Don’t just read the words on the page; stop occasionally to think about how the author’s ideas might apply to you.

 

7. Tune into Mindfulness Podcasts

Mindfulness instruction via podcasts is a great resource. So much so that by now I have a solid selection of podcasts that expand my thinking process and give me new ways to navigate my life.

I recommend listening to episodes that feature guided meditations and discussions on mindfulness.

 

8. Listen with Your Whole-Body

Practice mindful listening while having meaningful conversations with your friends or family.

Mindful listening involves paying attention to what the other person is saying, feeling what they are feeling, and responding with genuine understanding and care.

It’s also called active listening or whole-body listening, which helps you connect with others on a deeper and more meaningful level, strengthening your relationships.

 

9. Be of Service

Being of service is often the most gratifying thing you can do while serving the collective and helping you step out of your comfort zone.

Help out a local charity or cause while honing your mindfulness skills by volunteering. Find something you’re genuinely invested in and give it your all.

 

10. Let Others Know You Appreciate Them

To develop an attitude of gratitude toward the individuals in your life, try sending texts, emails, or letters of thanks and appreciation.

It’ll feel good to give words of affirmation to those you care about, but you’ll also be elevated by the responses.

 

11. Join or Start a Mindfulness Group

Join a mindfulness group or attend a mindfulness event; both will help you improve your practice and connect you with like-minded people.

Meeting others that are on a mindfulness and inner happiness journey expands your own happiness and gives you the inspiration to continue. One of my favorite places to go when I want to find a group is meetup.com.

 

12. Keep a Mindful Organized Environment

Your home can be your sanctuary of happiness, peace, and calm.

Avoid mental clutter by decluttering and organizing your home with care. Create a serene setting by arranging your surroundings with intention.

Pinterest is a great place to go for inspiration on how you might organize your space. Simply put, let your home reflect your inner grounding.

 

13. Create a Meditation Space at Home

Your meditation space at home does not need to be elaborate; a secluded spot with a soft chair and some candles or plants will work beautifully.

I create this space each morning by having my warm lemon water next to me, my yoga mat, crystals, journal, and oracle cards as part of my morning ritual, and it feels calming and peaceful.

 

14. Get Indoor Plants

Caring for houseplants can be a reflective practice that helps cultivate awareness and compassion.

I experience this each week as I care for my 100+ indoor plants, so much so that it’s part of my spiritual practice.

 

15. Post Encouraging Affirmations to Yourself

Write or source affirmations that reflect back to you encouraging words of self-discovery and remind you to stay on the path towards inner happiness.

Post-its on your mirror or refrigerator will remind you daily why you’re finding yourself. And in addition, you can also keep them on your phone notes to be able to read them wherever you are.

 

16. Set a Day Each Week for a Home Spa

Get the spa experience without leaving the house by practicing mindfulness.

As you indulge in self-care, fully immerse yourself in the experience to help you unwind and relax.

This self-care practice can be anything that feels like a spa to you, whether it’s a mask, an aromatherapy bath, or self-massage; make it your own. Allow it to feel luxurious and your “me” time.

 

17. Enjoy a Movies that Enlighten You

When done on purpose, watching movies can help you relax and focus your attention.

Pick movies that make you think positively with a good storyline that builds you up. Avoid any movie that brings you negative emotions or gives you a life message that isn’t building toward your inner happiness.

 

18. Practice Breath-work

You can create serenity and tolerance by engaging in breathing exercises regularly.

A simple breath-work exercise for self-discovery is called the “4-7-8 Breathing Technique”, which can help induce a meditative state:

1. Find a Comfortable Position: This can be sitting or lying down, whichever feels more comfortable for you. The key is to keep your back straight so your lungs have room to fully expand.

2. Close Your Eyes: Closing eyes can help you focus on your breath and eliminate visual distractions.

3. Inhale for 4 Seconds: Begin by taking a deep, slow breath through your nose for a count of four. Try to fill your lungs completely.

4. Hold Your Breath for 7 Seconds: After inhaling, hold your breath for a count of seven.

5. Exhale for 8 Seconds: Slowly exhale through your mouth for a count of eight. Try to empty your lungs entirely by reaching the eight count.

6. Repeat this cycle for a few minutes or until you feel more relaxed and centered.

Remember, the key to breathwork is to be gentle and patient with yourself. If you find the counts too long or too short, feel free to adjust them to fit your comfort level.

 

19. Do a “Body Scan” Meditation

During a “body scan” meditation, you focus your awareness on various parts of your body, one at a time.

It’s an excellent method for learning to appreciate and cherish yourself.

 

20. Create a Mindful Morning or Evening Routine

Having a mindful habit to start or finish your day with can improve your mental and emotional wellness.

Mindfulness practices can take many forms, such as yoga, reading, and meditation.

Put some thought into creating a routine that is doable, easy, and feels grounding to you.

 

21. Spend Time in Solitude

Learn ways to enjoy your company so much that everything you do and wherever you are feels like paradise.

Begin by taking yourself out to a favorite dinner spot or sitting in nature and watching a sunset.

The more you learn to be your best company, the happier you’ll become.

With these practices you’ll begin your beautiful journey of self-discovery and inner happiness, and it will be just as magic as Eat Pray Love..except you’ll be richer.

 

References:

Hammond, C. (2004). Impacts of lifelong learning upon emotional resilience, psychological and mental health: Fieldwork evidence. Oxford Review of Education.

Qianguo, X., et al. (2017). The Mindful Self: A Mindfulness-Enlightened Self-view. Frontiers in Psychology.

Hicks, D. C. (2020). Understanding Well-Being: Clearing Personal Space for Wellness. (Master’s thesis, Harvard Extension School).