There’s no question that Elizabeth Gilbert is a creative force—she’s the author of numerous books, including the bestselling memoir “Eat, Pray, Love,” which was adapted into a movie in 2010, and the self-help tome “Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear.” But in her view, there’s ample creativity in everyone.

“Creativity is a gift that was given to us by the mysteries of the universe,” she told Thrive Market co-founder and podcast host Gunnar Lovelace. “We’re the only species on the planet who seems to have it… It’s our birthright.” On this episode of “But Are You Thriving?”, Gilbert joined Lovelace for an inspiring conversion about how to channel your own creativity toward overcoming trauma, finding joy, and ultimately, building a better world. 

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Full Episode Summary: 

In this episode, Thrive Market co-founder Gunnar Lovelace and bestselling author Elizabeth Gilbert explore the importance of embracing creativity, the role of self-care in personal growth, and the significance of regulating one's nervous system for the benefit of others.

Gilbert shares her own journey, highlighting the transformative power of living authentically and following her intuition. She emphasizes the value of embracing discomfort and avoiding numbing oneself, as these experiences can lead to growth and self-discovery. Gilbert discusses her daily routine, which includes prayer, meditation, yoga, and engaging in creative work early in the day. She believes that creativity should be viewed as a spiritual practice and a source of joy and connection rather than suffering.

This episode also touches on the themes of selflessness and giving. Gilbert mentions her guru's teaching that meditation is an act of selflessness as it brings calmness, enabling better service to others. They acknowledge the difficulty of balancing self-care with selflessness and the vulnerability that can arise from heightened sensitivity.

The latter part of the conversation focuses on personal practices for health and wellness. Gilbert shares her experiences of eliminating sugar and gradually reducing meat consumption from her diet. She reflects on her evolving relationship with yoga, shifting from a focus on physical appearance to using it as a spiritual practice. Lovelace also shares his experiences of finding balance in his life and emphasizes the importance of slowing down, attuning to oneself, and making better decisions from a place of calm and well-being.

Overall, this episode between Gunnar Lovelace and Elizabeth Gilbert delves into the importance of embracing creativity, regulating the nervous system, and prioritizing self-care for personal growth and well-being. They explore how these practices can positively impact individuals and enable them to be of service to others, emphasizing the need for personal stability, curiosity, and a creative mindset in navigating life's challenges.

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