Well, I did it – I was one of the first to see Eat, Pray, Love when it arrived at the local theatre. And I must say, the first thing I had to eat were my words!
For some reason I went along to the movie prepared to dislike it. I must admit to a distinct wariness when it comes to the next ‘big’ thing. I was expecting hype and hyperbole. I was anticipating a syrupy feel-good, schmalzy, once over lightly of navel gazing and easy, ready-made answers. Instead I found myself completely engaged in sharing one woman’s very personal journey of self discovery, even though it was like paddling at the edge of the ocean, rather than having a satisfying swim in deep, clear water.
Yes, there were platitudes. Yes, a lot of soul searching and time alone really getting to grips with who she was were glossed over in favour of long enjoyable meals with interesting company. Yes, it was a long movie in which very little action took place, but I wasn’t expecting thrills and spills so I wasn’t disappointed. I was left with a sense that the person being portrayed had actually learned some truths about herself that enabled her to make choices for her life that brought her satisfaction.
The year-long trip and the particular choices she made are not necessarily a prescription for how to live life; they are merely snippets of one woman’s journey. On reading a magazine article about the movie I found it fascinating that people are going on similar trips to Italy, India and Bali, attempting to recreate Elizabeth Gilbert’s experiences of enjoyment and enlightenment. She has apparently been saddened by this phenomenon as she feels that each of us needs to find our own path and walk it for ourselves.
Where is your journey taking you?
What lessons are you learning along the way?
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