Comments on Living Oprah: Wherever you go, there you are

Good Call, Cast that Book. Gwyneth Paltrow would b...

2008-09-24T12:20:00.000-05:00

Good Call, Cast that Book. Gwyneth Paltrow would be a great Elizabeth Gilbert. She has the right look and is a better age for it. I like Julia Roberts but this is the wrong role for her. With Gwyneth I'd be there the day the movie came out. Cast That Book said...
I feel the same way about Elizabeth Gilbert on Oprah - she is an amazing presence - they epitome of "being." As for the movie...with Julia Roberts...I have some strong, not so fuzzy feelings - see www.castthatbook.blogspot.com

9/07/2008 08:57:00 PM

I feel the same way about Elizabeth Gilbert on Opr...

2008-09-07T20:57:00.000-05:00

I feel the same way about Elizabeth Gilbert on Oprah - she is an amazing presence - they epitome of "being." As for the movie...with Julia Roberts...I have some strong, not so fuzzy feelings - see www.castthatbook.blogspot.com

Interesting thoughts shared here. I'm here to giv...

2008-09-06T20:10:00.000-05:00

Interesting thoughts shared here. I'm here to give a guy's perspective on "Eat Pray Love". I didn't read it for the longest time because, yes, I thought it was only for the chicks. But, actually, it's for the dudes too. It's for anyone who has ever struggled to find that place, that sense of being, etc, etc.

What always struck me as most important and what I took from reading Gilbert's book, is that she doesn't take herself too seriously, and neither should I. This sense of who she is comes across completely in her "in person" persona.

I don't remember exactly how she put it, but she basically insists that nobody put her up on a pedestal; that all she is, is a woman who experienced something rather extraordinary, and yet she is after all, an ordinary woman.

And then she says this: we can all experience something extraordinary. We can all have our experience of change, and courage, and bliss. It's right there for us, and we just have to be willing to take it.

I took Liz's advice some 6 months ago, and while it has been sheer hell for the last two months, I believe I'm on the right track. I don't know where I'm going, and I'm not even sure I'll know when I get there, but I am on the path.

I loved 'Eat Pray Love', I couldnt wait to read it...

2008-09-04T21:22:00.000-05:00

I loved 'Eat Pray Love', I couldnt wait to read it, but it was sold out in Australia for a couple of months, there was a loooooong waiting list at my local bookshop and I had to wait with baited breath. So worth the wait though. Yeah, I agree with most of you, I was hoping they'd find an unknown for Liz's role. I feel that Julia has been there, done that with 'Erin Brockovich'.

Also, I think that the concept of wealth and happiness is an interesting one. I think Oprah said in one of her 'What I know for sure's that she has always had a wonderful relationship with money because she doesnt focus on it. She loves her job tremendously and she'd still do it without getting paid. Yes, finding one's passion, then pursuing it, will result in benefits which in our society include money. Like she says, one's aim in life should be to find what one's calling is, then everything else will fall into place. Thats my mission in life so that I can LIVE MY BEST LIFE!!
T

To morepower - I'm not a Gates-basher and cannot d...

2008-09-04T06:01:00.000-05:00

To morepower - I'm not a Gates-basher and cannot deny the good that he and his wife are doing through their foundation.

Yet no one seems to take into account that during his days as head honcho at Microsoft, he verbally and emotionally abused his employees, demanding so much work from them that divorces and suicides resulted, and every year, the lowest-rated 10% of employees were fired. That's Mr. Nice Guy. For all the lives he's saved now, does it compensate for the lives he destroyed?

I was hoping for more of a Maggie Gyllenhall for t...

2008-09-03T20:30:00.000-05:00

I was hoping for more of a Maggie Gyllenhall for this role....does ANYONE in Holllywood have any imagination?

I like the Anonymous post right above Norwegian Gi...

2008-09-03T11:47:00.000-05:00

I like the Anonymous post right above Norwegian Girl's. I agree very much with the sentiment.

Also, I'm a bit curious whether the author of Eat, Pray, Love is not now defined by being the "spiritually aware author"...If that has some how defined her and now that instead of whatever she was defined by before, she is now defined by that, which she is happier about and then, in turn, more happy with her own life...

Eh, just some questions. I probably need to read the book to know more about that.

Morepower: I found your comments about Bill Gates ...

2008-09-03T11:45:00.000-05:00

Morepower: I found your comments about Bill Gates to be very misguided! You said, "Gates has the kind of authentic joy and meaning in his life that none of us will ever be lucky enough to experience." This idolizing of wealthy and famous people keeps us from finding peace and meaning in our own lives. Donating money to good causes may be one way to "do good," but it certainly isn't the only nor even (necessarily) the best. I think it depends on our gifts and our personalities. Some people may thrive doing direct service with those in need. Others may not have the temperament to work with the poor, the sick, the uneducated, etc., and may be better suited to earning money in the corporate world and using it for good. I don't think we can judge each other's choices or imagine that the grass is greener somewhere else.

I, for one, do not put Bill Gates - or any other wealthy philanthropist - on a pedestal. I work in fundraising and have been around many wealthy philanthropists. Some have founded organizations and are rightly acknowledged for their charitable work. It certainly is to be applauded, but I don't know of any of these philanthropists who don't also maintain two or three homes and take frequent, extravagant vacations. I can assure you that Bill Gates isn't living like a pauper while giving his billions away. Not that I would expect him to - he has the right to do with his money what he wishes - but I am certainly not going to idealize him as someone who is "self-actualized at the highest level." I would much more easily attribute that description to someone like the Dalai Lama. And I think it is a level to which we all can aspire - whether or not we have money.

Morepower, there is ways to improve the world, mak...

2008-09-03T10:50:00.000-05:00

Morepower, there is ways to improve the world, make it a better place, without having the money. And for doing that, you need time, and the paradox is that when you have money you dont have time. Its not just Oprah that can take a month off, most of us can speed down if we stop overspending.

They send the shows later here, so I havent seen the Gilbert show yet, but I recently saw one about just.. spending less: A family is challenged for a week not bying stuff etc. That is something it seems to me your country needs (said in a loving way...)

Norwegian girl.

I read Eat, Pray love. But I thought Gilbert was f...

2008-09-02T15:30:00.000-05:00

I read Eat, Pray love. But I thought Gilbert was first wallowing in her own misery and then wallowing in her own bliss. Who wouldn't be blissful giving up all matereial things, friends, relatives, and traveling half way around the world. The way to have inner peace is not to take yourself out of this world, but to live in it the way it is.

Yeah, katy, I agree...just like that website...sam...

2008-09-02T11:17:00.000-05:00

Yeah, katy, I agree...just like that website...same old stuff...

One more thing- this book reminds me of the websi...

2008-09-02T10:01:00.000-05:00

One more thing- this book reminds me of the website stuffwhitepeoplelike.com which points out the ironies of upper middle class social posturing. Did anyone else notice this?

While some aspects of the book's spirituality both...

2008-09-02T09:55:00.000-05:00

While some aspects of the book's spirituality bothered me (how spiritual can one be if you quit dealing with the challenges right in front of you and run away from every spiritual commitment you made to expensive trips overseas? In my mind, once you make the choice to be married you've chosen your path; if you are unhappy, work on the marriage--don't get divorced!) in a later interview (and I didn't see yesterday's repeat so I'm not sure if it was there) EG implied it was an abusive marriage, which made her beginning more understandable. Too bad that aspect wasn't revealed in the book.

Anyone can have profound religious and spiritual experiences if they step away from everyday life. The challenge is to bring spiritual truth into everyday life. Jesus surrounded himself with everyday people that his religious leaders called "sinners" yet did not sin. So while EG has many admirable qualities (self assurance) and her story is worth telling, I would not put her up on the pedestal of sainthood that O seems to.

There have been a few movies I've seen that were better than the book. The recent ones escape me at the moment, but The Firm was one.

As for Julia Roberts, I will definitely see the movie, and I think she is a perfect choice. For one, I have never been disappointed by her movies. And two, I think that it is better to see a familiar face in this role because it makes it more believable, like someone we know went through this and made these choices. Less likely for viewers to dismiss these lessons as something that some "saint" did that cannot possibly be related to.

I really liked the book, the way it was written fr...

2008-09-02T05:51:00.000-05:00

I really liked the book, the way it was written from Elizabeth's heart even though I am a Christian and some of the "spirit guides" part kind of disturbed me.....but overall the idea of each of us pursuing our spirituality and living out our faith is really important. I had a horrible corporate job and was miserable. Now I am a missionary, not making money, and helping street kids and I am much more fulfilled and happier.

Humans have a spiritual component in them and when our culture tells us the most important thing is to make a ton of money and "have everything" and we forget our spirituality, I think we suffer.

I am not sure about Julia Roberts in a movie based on the book. Poor Elizabeth.....I'm sorry, that idea just scares me. I judge the movies I see by their trailers....

Am I the only one who was a little nauseated by th...

2008-09-02T00:23:00.000-05:00

Am I the only one who was a little nauseated by this episode? Especially the "Eat, Pray, Love" birthday party that probably cost a small fortune.

I just found myself becoming more and more skeptical as I watched, and I didn't finish the episode. It seemed over the top.

I've like a lot of Oprah's stuff, and I think I'm less critical than you are. I guess it's hard to believe in these life changing moments sometimes. Even your own personal moments. Hiking in the Himalayas and on a 500-miles bike ride? I'm glad it was such a great experience for you, but it just doesn't seem in the reach of the average person.

PS 1 - Yeah for Monday! 2 - Loved how Liz had sarc...

2008-09-01T22:35:00.000-05:00

PS 1 - Yeah for Monday! 2 - Loved how Liz had sarcastic and witty humor throughout the episode (like when she told Oprah she hopes she likes her path, haha)

Hey LO,I am almost finished this book and I think ...

2008-09-01T21:29:00.000-05:00

Hey LO,
I am almost finished this book and I think it's one of those you have to read and absorb because you can easily apply it, even in a small way, to your life. I haven't read the Rolf review noted by sarah yet, so I'm interested in that.

As far as the movie - eh - I agree - NO. The book is such a personally told story I can't imagine it on film. Even if they did it in a "Bridget Jones" manner, with her voice overs and such, I don't think it could be as powerful. At most I think it could accentuate parts of the journey and help create visions for those who read it (much like the Harry Potter movies, which, personally, I think you need to read and then use the movies as an experience and to appreciate the visual mind of the author). I am curious to see how they interpret India because I have to say I got slightly bored with it. Nonetheless, since they are making the movie, I agree with tracy that an unknown or up-and-coming actor may have been a better choice. But I babble. I guess the point is to reach an audience - in books, movies, television, or otherwise - and get them thinking.

I think there's an untold movement in the US to encourage us to continue (or even start) using our minds and seeking out more than money and fame and to know how happy we can be (as you, yourself noted). That can't be such a bad thing, right?

First off, a 500 mile bike ride?!! WTF. No wonde...

2008-09-01T18:41:00.000-05:00

First off, a 500 mile bike ride?!! WTF. No wonder you back hurts!! Damn.

Second, happiness clearly cannot be bought as we see so many jacked up wealthy people. Though money is nice, it cannot fix what's broke inside.

Third, Eat, Pray, Love kind of lotst me after Italy because though I can relate to eating lots of pasta I cannot relate to living in ashrams, meditating while bugs eat you alive, or living in Bali where people seem crazy. My book club (not Oprah guided or even inspired, really) read this book so I fought through to the ending, but sometimes I just wanted to say "shut-up" already!

Fourth, I did love the author on Oprah and felt like she radiated peace and spiritual satisfaction. I envied her soulful tranquility.

Fifth, yes I will see the movie, but agree with other comments that Julia Roberts is an odd choice. She's so Julia it will be hard to see Elizabeth, but I am a Julia fan, so there.

Finally, I think this all comes back to the ying and yang of Oprah-spirit v. stuff. I look at it like this, if you have spiritual depth, or satisfaction with your present self, you will be able to appreciate, but not worship or over value things.

But, that's just one jurl's opinion.

I agree with Sarah. Rolf Potts' outlook on the bo...

2008-09-01T18:11:00.000-05:00

I agree with Sarah. Rolf Potts' outlook on the book is precisely how I felt while reading it myself. I admit I read it cover to cover, but I couldn't help feel that E. Gilbert was quite self-involved (though a great writer, I happily admit). Those feelings subsided a tad as I continued to flip the pages, and I will most likely see the movie. I was a little disappointed to hear Julia Roberts was chosen for the role. I would much rather see a more indie version as well.

snappyginger, speaking for myself, I've never trie...

2008-09-01T16:46:00.000-05:00

snappyginger, speaking for myself, I've never tried to follow every piece of advice Oprah gives. In fact I've never even read a single book in her book club (with the exception of "A New Earth"). I have however been influenced by some of Oprah's philosophies. The Oprah concept that most impacted me was "what you focus on expands". The idea is that if you only focus on what's negative in your life, than the negative expands but if you focus on what's positive the positive expands. I used to be a very negative person. Always focused on what was wrong. As a consequence nobody liked me, and then I would be depressed about no one liking me,which would cause my job performance to suffer. In other words focusing on the negative impaired my social life, focusing on my impaired social life impaired my professional life, focusing on my impaired professional life impaired my economic life etc etc. What you focus on expands.

The insight I got from Oprah was to focus on the positive, specifically by keeping a gratitude journal where you write down 5 good things that happened each day. The more I focused on the positive the more coworkers liked me, the more my coworkers liked me, the happier and more cheerful I became which caused them to like me more which allowed me to do better in my job. I was focused on the positive and the positive expanded.

The other Oprah philosophy I really like is that feelings are our GPS system for life. As Living Oprah said, even though she was making great money in the corporate world it just didn't FEEL right and now she's much happier as a yoga teacher. Oprah talked about how she had a prestigous job co-anchoring the evening news but it just didn't FEEL right and she became much happier once she switched to hosting talk shows. Everything clicked. She knew she had found her calling.

Another Oprah philosophy I find interesting is that whenever you feel overwhelmed by life, it's time to replenish you body and spirit. I remember when Oprah had her thyroid problem, she knew she had to escape her hectic life. Since she has the summer off, she gave herself an entire month where she did nothing but relax and her property in Hawaii. She told her staff not to contact her unless it was an absolute emergency and she spent the entire month just drinking soya milk, reading novels, laying down outsideside under the trees with a glass of whine as she watched the sunset. She felt it was essential to replenish her body and spirit if she were going to continue. She claimed that after this one month relaxation her thyroid was back in balance. I would love to give myself an entire month of doing nothing but enjoying the sunrise and sunset and not stressing myself about anything (no email, no internet). Perhaps that was the themse of EAT, PRAY LOVE (I haven't read it).

I defenitely agree with Oprah that your bedroom should be a sanctuary. I wonder if Living Oprah has made her bedroom a sanctuary.

I don't think my link worked, just google Rolf Pot...

2008-09-01T16:13:00.000-05:00

I don't think my link worked, just google Rolf Potts, Elizabeth Gilbert. Great stuff---

Um, I don't share the love so much for Eat, Pray, ...

2008-09-01T16:12:00.000-05:00

Um, I don't share the love so much for Eat, Pray, Love. Here's a link to one of my favorites "reviews" of the book...

http://www.worldhum.com/books/item/one_mans_odyssey_into_eat_pray_love_20080211/

Norwegian girl the point of being rich is not to h...

2008-09-01T16:07:00.000-05:00

Norwegian girl the point of being rich is not to have nicer furniture than your neighbours. The point of having money is that it allows you to help other people and have a real impact on the world around you. Look at all the amazing work Bill Gates does with his foundation. His billions of dollars have allowed him to save countless lives and improve the quality of life for countless others. He gets to stimulate his intellect by solving the problems here on Earth and has the resources to put those solutions into action. I consider myself to be extremely happy, but Gates has the kind of authentic joy and meaning in his life that none of us will ever be lucky enough to experience. Now a less secure billionaire might spend all their wealth building gold palaces, but for someone who is emotionally mature enough to handle great wealth, it allows you to become self-actualized at the highest level.

I might watch the movie, only to see how they mana...

2008-09-01T15:45:00.000-05:00

I might watch the movie, only to see how they manage to capture the book. The book was one of the most amazing I've ever read, and I can't imagine that a movie could possibly compare in any way.

I must admit that I'm rubbed the wrong way by Julia Roberts playing the role. I like her as an actress, but... I don't know. Something just feels "off" about it.

There has been made quite a lot research on the th...

2008-09-01T15:44:00.000-05:00

There has been made quite a lot research on the theme happines, and the answer concerning money, is that if you are poor, meaning not having your basic needs such as house and food etc. covered, you are unhappy. Then more money will make you happier. But after that base level, more money doesn´t make you happier. I should have had some litterature references on this, but I am too comfortable in my IKEA coach right now..

BUT: If you are very competetive and unsecure as a person, and want what the neighbour have, you might not be satisfied with just IKEA furnitures... But then again, somebody will always have more then you, and you are trapped in the "squirrel wheel" -not very happy. Then you need more..Oprah (light, I think is the best)

Norwegian girl.

Norwegian girl