This weekend I finally saw the movie adaption of one of my favorite books, Eat, Pray, Love. It’s been a few years since I read it, but this soliloquy at the end of the movie reminded me why I loved it so much…
“I’ve come to believe that there exists in the universe something I call ‘The Physics of The Quest’ – a force of nature governed by laws as real as the laws gravity or momentum. And the rule of Quest Physics maybe goes like this: If you are brave enough to leave behind everything familiar and comforting (which can be anything from your house to your bitter old resentments) and set out on a truth-seeking journey (either externally or internally), and if you are truly willing to regard everything that happens to you on that journey as a clue, and if you accept everyone you meet along the way as a teacher, and if you are prepared – most of all – to face (and forgive) some very difficult realities about yourself….then truth will not be withheld from you. Or so I’ve come to believe.”
I think this concept of Quest Physics is key to moving beyond whatever “gray” you’re facing. We saw it with Sean Aiken, who worked 52 one-week jobs in search of a career he’s passionate about and we’re seeing it with lost girls Jen, Amanda, Holly who left the security of their NYC media jobs to travel the world and figure out if the standard marriage and motherhood route is truly for them.
Most of us have at least one thing that stirs inside us – something we wish we could change or pursue – whether it be related to work, a certain relationship, health, wealth, or some other aspect of life. I think that loosening your grip on that particular “gray” situation and opening yourself up to unknown opportunities and possibilities can reveal an entirely new reality and lead to the answer you’re seeking.
Have you ever experienced something like this?
First off, the movie was inspirational and I have never read the book or knew of its existence until this past week. I have read many criticisms regarding the book and movie today, personally I think they are full of crap but I can see their point.
I am a male of 35 with 6 children and on my second marriage. Personally this movie is about everyone regardless of race or religion. Although it took me until the past few years to realize this even though there has been many road signs along the road and ignored them. It has been an ambition of mine to take a road trip, sabbatical, journey, or what ever your preference is across this great world filled with wisdom and knowledge. I have realized that no culture is the right one why because ultimately we come from the same place therefore for us to be truly one we must live in the others shoe or at least experience it some. As the author demonstrated this in her book although I think she still has more cultures to explorer. In high school I had a biology teacher who each summer traveled across Europe relying on the locals for support in return he shared his experience to his class. One day I may have this opportunity. Yes each person is a teacher for each person has experienced something you have not or sees something from another view you may not.
What I do not think people are realizing right now is the world today is starting to lean towards a more united world whether the want it or not and probably not they way it should. Today in order for one to survive you must be willing to compete with the world since allot of jobs are being spread abroad; I do not mean from an American stand point. There are foreigners, if you will, that come here and work or do work for companies here in their own country or their is Americans now working here for companies from other countries or in other countries working. Our world is no longer run by governments per say but buy the business world. In the not so distant past people solely worked in their own town or closest city not so anymore.
I have experienced some which is described in the book but not as much as I would like. What I have experienced has finally given me some insight on what path to take before I was just a wander similar to the 52 one-week job person.
Thanks for your thoughts, Richard. I agree, the world is certainly changing, whether we want it to or not. To me, these changes are exciting. I feel very blessed to live in a time where we have the capacity to travel the world and experience different cultures. I’m intrigued by your ambition to take a journey and explore. I think so much can be learned from those types of experiences. Good luck planning yours! I hope you’re able to make it happen.
Erika
Richard, I am surprised at your maturity @ your age. Having 6 children and 2 marriages may have something to do with it, but most people don’t learn from those experiences until later on in life. I have to agree with you, the movie seemed a little unrealistic, but I did like the last statement she made. Being willing to take each experience as a clue to our enfoldment. Some of them are hard to swallow, but swallow and go on. I have always studied physics, and am now onto sacred physics and geometry. Life is so much more than we imagine. God is within me, AS me, is so very significant. I also believe that that which we are seeking is within. Traveling the world would be great, but most of us can’t afford to do that, so travel within.
Frankie – I love that advice: “Travel within.” Beautiful!
Erika
Only those who undergoes stir of the heart understands what the author is trying to give a point in Eat Pray and Love. For there are a lot of us who felt that something in our life that we want to really search what it is otherwise living does not give a complete meaning and satisfaction. It is something so simple yet is beyond explanation. You have to experience it for you to understand the Quest Physics. Just last night finally saw the movie after months of planning. Its very inspirational.
Hi Jan,
I was very inspired by the movie and book as well. To your point, it really taps into something inexplicable so many of us “feel”.
Erika
Hi, I just got finished watching this movie. I hadn’t read the book but heard a lot about it. In the end, I finally had a light bulb moment. It comes at a time in my life that I feel things will change soon. We are looking to sell our house, my husband lost his job in January and we have 2 kids in college. I need to let go of the “gray” area and let go of negative thoughts. There was a time when I thought I wanted to do what Julia Roberts did in the movie but I don’t feel the need now. It’s all in my heart and I will keep the faith. Because, in the end we don’t have control of what happens. We just have to let go and let things just happen they way they are meant to. I felt inspired as well.
Hi Patti – It sounds like you have the right attitude despite the challenges life has thrown your way. You’re right, we don’t have control over what happens to us…but we can control how we respond. My dad always told me, “Enjoy when you can, endure when you must.” I think your plan to let go of the negativity and find ways to move beyond the gray will help you endure these difficult times until things turn around.
Sending positive thoughts your way,
Erika
im in a very dark moment of my life now… my relationship crumbled. everything got affected. i built my life around him for how many years. and i am really so afraid of knowing tomorrow he will not be there. i been so helpless, i want to get out from this, from this country and go back home. watching the movie last night, it really made me cry, everything flashes before my eyes… i am so scared… i want to leave dubai and start again, but i have responsibilities to my family… but my inside is hurting a lot. i am in pain, that i dont know if i can last staying here…i dont know what to do.. i really dont know..
Hi Dee,
I’m sorry to hear that you’re dealing with such a difficult time. Eat, Pray, Love helped me through a tough time too. It reminded me that I possess the power to change my situation and that better days await.
Good luck with the changes you need to make. You’re in my thoughts.
Erika
Hi Dee,
This will help..it’s a film called : The secret of the law atraction 2006.
~Love, Peace and Wisdom~
Hi Dee,
I watched the film called The Secret and it change my life. I hope that it will change yours also….
The law of attraction is so powerful…..
Upon seeing, the movie Eat, Pray, Love and wanting the wife to see it as well which did not occur. Yet, asking her to look at the movie because the movie is so relevant to any relationships that would make for a great conversation piece.
To live and see life throughout the world is a wonderful thing. This kind of experience would enrich and brings so much to any ones life. To think and then know that humanity has the ability to remove their selves from harms way is plausible and at times very subjective but should be totally objective. We can know who we are because we are people of reason. One must not reflect on the cause of oneself but must be of care and concern about all those that are within and without of ones proximity.
When humanity moves in that realm of a Quest of Physics for commonality to the highest most common good then life shall exist in the light for all concern no matter what the culture is. Indeed, in that moment that is not guided by emotionalism but by the reason of duty for duty-sake, therein in lays the Quest of Physics. From the above points there are several questions that is shared for one to ponder that may lead to a better self.
First, yet and still, is it needful for one to seek out a quest to know what love is? Second, is it further needful for one to seek out a quest to know who God is? Third, is not all that one needs to understand is self because to know self is means to understand and be concern about others, and is the quest of knowing self actually within? Four, is it that a quest or a get away or even solitude in continuum of prayer will make life much better for whatever the cause is? Five, must there always be questions of sciences and logic that guides our knowing? Six, are the act of happenings of experiences and the unknown mandate of nature that controls our lives? Seven, can it be the invisible and the unknown as well as the unexplainable that controls our will or even causes humanity to rely on their intellect rather than the realization that we are beings of faith and will? Eight, what will a reasonable person do in all endeavors and daily happenings as it relates on decisions of human finitudes? Nine, is it not reasonable for one to Eat, Pray, Love in the personification of selfish pride and have no care of others, knowing that others wants and desires maybe the same? Ten, should not life be about love and love must not be predicated on a Quest of Physics? Finally, as we know it, the world shall forever change which may be for the good or it may not be for the good.
Wow Ike I don’t even know where to begin with you. Ok, let’s see instead of wasting time can we just say you don’t “seek out a quest” that’s like having a department of redundancy department.
1. Someone does not “seek out a quest” to know “what” love is.
– Someone may be “on a quest” to explore a deeper definition than “what?” but “how is LOVE?” (how do you feel most loved or how do you show love etc.)
2. Once again someone can be on a quest to find God (either internally or externally) yes. Not your standard definition of who is GOD but how can one “tap in” to a deeper connection.
i.e I’ve had a relationship and known God my entire life. Just recently have I become spiritual and looked for signs along the path my God as I understand has set for me.
3. If you think that knowing one’s “self” doesn’t come from w/in then I REALLY don’t know where to start. Yes of course your concern and understanding of others is important but one can’t TRULY be there for others or understand others unless he understands and is one with self. And isn’t that what the quest of physics is all about? Seeking out a certain truth? What better place to start but w/ yourself.
4. Ok I have to be honest I’m a little confused on this statement/question. So I’ll ponder it and come back to it later
5. This is a simple one. Yes.
Ok that’s half. Well, almost anyway. I am from the States but in Spain for 2 months learning Spanish (trying my best anyway) It is 2:30am here and I can’t keep my eyes open anymore so I apologize ahead of time for mis-spellings or responses that just don’t make sense to anyone else(finally getting closer to my usual sleeping schedule)
5.