Eat, Pray, Love is a memoir by Elizabeth Gilbert that chronicles her journey across Italy, India, and Indonesia in search of meaning, healing, and happiness.
The book was published in 2006 and became a global phenomenon, selling over 10 million copies and inspiring millions of readers to embark on their quests for self-discovery. The book was also adapted into a movie starring Julia Roberts in 2010.
The memoir is divided into three sections, each corresponding to a country and a theme: Eat (Italy), Pray (India), and Love (Indonesia).
In each section, Gilbert shares her experiences, insights, and wisdom that she gained from her travels and encounters with different cultures, religions, and people. She also reflects on her struggles with divorce, depression, loneliness, and identity.
One of the most appealing aspects of the book is the abundance of quotes that capture the essence of Gilbert’s journey and philosophy. These quotes are not only inspiring and relatable but also witty. They touch on various topics such as love, soul, God, balance, happiness, courage, gratitude, forgiveness, and more.
In this article, we will explore some of the best quotes from Eat, Pray, Love and what they can teach us about life, love, and ourselves.
Eat (Italy)
In this section, Gilbert travels to Italy to indulge in the pleasures of food, language, and art. She learns to appreciate the beauty and joy of simple things and to embrace her appetite for life.
Some of the quotes from this section are:
– “You gotta stop wearing your wishbone where your backbone oughtta be.”
– “I am a better person when I have less on my plate.”
– “Never forget that once upon a time, in an unguarded moment, you recognized yourself as a friend.”
– “I think I deserve something beautiful.”
These quotes remind us to be confident, assertive, and authentic in pursuing our dreams and desires. They also encourage us to be kind and compassionate to ourselves and to celebrate our achievements and strengths.
Pray (India)
In this section, Gilbert travels to India to spend three months in an ashram, a spiritual retreat center. She practices meditation, yoga, and other disciplines to quiet her mind and connect with her inner self. She also meets a guru, a healer, and a friend who guides her on her path.
Some of the quotes from this section are:
– “You need to learn how to select your thoughts just the same way you select your clothes every day. This is a power you can cultivate. If you want to control things in your life so bad, work on the mind. That’s the only thing you should be trying to control.”
– “We must take care of our families, wherever we find them.”
– “We don’t realize that, somewhere within us all, there does exist a supreme self who is eternally at peace.”
– “God dwells within you, as you.”
These quotes inspire us to be mindful, aware, and intentional in choosing our thoughts and actions. They also urge us to be loving, generous, and supportive of our chosen family and community. They also reveal the divine nature and potential of our true self and our connection to the source of all creation.
Love (Indonesia)
In this section, Gilbert travels to Indonesia to find balance and harmony in her life. She meets a medicine man, a healer, and a lover who helps her heal her wounds and open her heart. She also discovers the power of forgiveness, gratitude, and compassion.
Some of the quotes from this section are:
– “People think a soul mate is your perfect fit, and that’s what everyone wants. But a true soul mate is a mirror, the person who shows you everything that is holding you back, the person who brings you to your own attention so you can change your life.”
– “This is a good sign, having a broken heart. It means we have tried for something.”
– “To lose balance sometimes for love is part of living a balanced life.”
– “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. You have to participate relentlessly in the manifestations of your own blessings. And once you have achieved a state of happiness, you must never become lax about maintaining it.”
These quotes teach us to be brave, honest, and vulnerable in love and to accept the lessons and gifts that our relationships offer us. They also motivate us to be proactive, persistent, and responsible in creating and sustaining our happiness and well-being.
Conclusion
Eat, Pray, Love is a book that has touched the lives of many people around the world. It is a story of transformation, adventure, and discovery that invites us to explore our journey and potential.
The quotes from the book are like pearls of wisdom that can enlighten, empower, and enrich us. They can also challenge, provoke, and entertain us. They can be our companions, guides, and friends as we eat, pray, and love our way through life.